The Stockholm Chamber of Commerce is proposing a new initiative called the 'Stockholm meter' that would allow restaurants to set up small outdoor seating areas year-round without requiring permits, according to a report from SVT Stockholm. The proposal comes as the summer season for outdoor dining begins on April 1st, when Stockholm residents can sit outside at restaurants with proper permits. Currently, outdoor seating permits can cost up to 2,500 kronor per square meter, and the Chamber of Commerce argues the application process is too difficult and bureaucratic.
'Stockholm wants lots of lovely dining options, but at the same time it's very restrictive,' said Klara Kvarnbäck, a restaurant manager. ' However, Lars Strömgren (MP), Stockholm's traffic commissioner, pointed out that the number of outdoor dining areas already reached an all-time high last year and expressed skepticism that the proposal would lead to more outdoor seating. Instead, he suggested redistributing existing space and removing parking spots to create more room for outdoor dining.
the number of outdoor dining areas is already at an all-time high and that the proposal would not increase them
Instead, he suggests redistributing space and removing parking spots