This is a problem that DLA should be addressing...but instead, they are advocating for even more bars/nightlife, more street closures, and more drinking on the streets. Come on RPD...please enforce the laws downtown...

Not sure about the DLA but my impression is the DRA could be more helpful in encouraging proper use of public space as could the city officials responsible for enforcement--where are they? Noticed the open flames too and was amazed this is allowed. This bar does not seem to be an upgrade for Fayetteville Street.

As a downtown resident, we are disappointed that this new bar/nightclub is allowed to violate the Private Use of Public Space ordinance. Why are these irresponsible owners being treated as first class citizens while we residents are treated as third class?

City of Raleigh...comments, and help please? I think many of us are tired of the bar scene, and the lack of support from DRA/DLA....especially since DRA gets $2,000,000 a year from us in property tax dollars...thanks.

Yeah, the situation with Fayetteville Street sidewalks is getting worse--they are increasingly dirty and overrun by bars, and their customers, that do not conform with city rules on how to properly use public space. The zoning enforcement in Raleigh is well known to be lax. Martha Lobo the Zoning Inspector has little or no staff to help so she depends on calls (919-278-6209) in part to know what is happening. Sadly the lax zoning enforcement leads to more infractions which results in our streets becoming less inviting as they grow more dirty and unwelcoming due to a few poorly behaving bar owners and their customers. Sure hope Raleigh city hall decides this is unacceptable and start acting because lax enforcement is encouraging this mess along with the DRA by promoting renegade bar culture where a few uncaring bar owners and their customers are ignoring zoning and other ordinances.

I walk by here with a stroller and I have to move this ridiculous sign just to get by. And they always move it back. Sometimes my kids want to play with the tables ... really? Fire? Come on City of Raleigh. Let's shut this place down or at least get them to move their bar back inside their property. They are not welcome neighbors. The vomit around this place is disgusting. Same with Coglin's. Both bar owners are not responsible.

Open fires in the public right away does not sound pedestrian friendly. I would think a permit would be required for open air seating in the public right away?
Surely this is a Public Safty issue and should be addressed immediately.
Vomit on city sidewalks sounds like a Health Dept.

City of Raleigh - is there a chance you're going to address - or even comment - on this? It's not a one time problem - it's a constant issue. There is another item in SCF that's similar, and that has not been addressed either. Please acknowledge. Thanks.

Thank you for bringing this to the city's attention. We will also look into this. And appreciate the comment about working with our zoning and law enforcement officials. We don't want these businesses to block the sidewalks either. And be a nuisance.

P.S. Please note that downtown residents pay a small portion of that overall budget ( about 10%). And we have been and will continue to spend a significant amount of time to make downtown more friendly to residents. Indeed, we have created a fayetteville street committee that consists of residents and merchants. And residents like the Thompsons, Will Marx, Robby Lawson, Matt Tomasolu, Joe Durham, Don Anderson, David Meeker, and other residents have been directly involved in downtown issues. We have also worked closely with DLA which has been a strong advocate for downtown residents. Only by working together can we ensure that our downtown is great for residents and businesses. We hope you see the value in their work as well as ours.

Please contact me personally if you want to discuss further how we are working with and supporting residents in downtown: 919.832.1231

We will refer this to our Zoning Enforcement division for review and will post an update once we've heard back from them.

An inspection conducted on September 09, 2014 did not reveal a violation of the required 7 foot pedestrian clearance at 112 Fayetteville Street. As a result of the provided photo from SeeClickFix, Zoning Enforcement has contacted the business owner and explained they were in violation on the specific date of the photo in regards to the a-frame sign.

It was further explained that the display of the a-frame sign, shown in the photo, would require the issuance of a minor encroachment permit. I have put him in contact with the appropriate staff that would review and issue the permit to display the a-frame sign on the public right of way. The business owner stated that he would get with his staff, so they are clear on what area of the required 7 foot pedestrian clearance must be kept free and clear. Zoning will continue to monitor the property, but as of Thursday, September 11th the business is compliant with the Private Use of Public Spaces guidelines. Closing issue in SeeClickFix.

Thanks for fixing this issue!

Thx! It's a common issue - but a sporadic one, so tough to enforce. Perhaps the DLA 'Ambassadors' could be taught the rules, and utilized in making the bar owners aware of this when they see a violation. Between tables, chairs, and then people standing...the 7' gets narrow pretty quickly. Somone shouldn't have to push their way through a smoking and drinking crowd just to get by....