Bar owner fights tables ban

A crackdown on alfresco dining in central London is set to be challenged in court.

Kensington and Chelsea council is to prosecute a wine bar owner who is refusing to move tables and chairs from outside his premises.

The council claims the furniture is obstructing the pavement.

But John Brinkley, proprietor of Brinkley's Wine Bar in Hollywood Road, Chelsea, claims that the pavement in front of the bar is his property because he maintains it.

He is threatening the council with legal action of his own if it does not climb down.

Mr Brinkley said: "The council will be committing an act of trespass if it interferes with my property."

A council spokesman said: "We welcome a pavement culture but must make sure pedestrians can get through. It is our policy to inform business owners about the need for a licence to put tables and chairs on the public highway and to take action against those that do this without a licence."