Overview
This license allows a licensed Liquor On-Sale establishment to provide alcohol service with the issuance of the Public Works Sidewalk Café Permit. The Public Works Sidewalk Café Permit must be obtained to allow the tables and chairs to be placed in the public right–of-way. If you have questions, contact DSI at 651-266-8989, or email the DSI Message Center.
For establishments that wish to provide outdoor seating for customers on the public sidewalk without alcohol service, they need only to apply for the Public Works Sidewalk Café Permit.
Code Requirements
The placement of furnishings related to the sidewalk café must meet specific requirements as found under Chapter 106 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The general intent of these requirements is to provide a clear unobstructed pedestrian walk through zone (minimum 48-inch width, exclusive of the curb), positioned to minimize interference with pedestrian traffic, and not interfere with emergency exiting from the building. The location for the placement of any furnishings must be approved by the City of Saint Paul’s Department of Public Works prior to placing any items on the public sidewalk.
A summary of the alcohol service proposed on the public sidewalk requirements can be found under Chapter 409 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code or summarized in the Liquor - Outdoor Service Area (Sidewalk) License Handout -item 5.
Application Requirements
This license can only be issued alongside a new or existing Liquor On-Sale License.
Apply online at PAULIE* using the Liquor-On Sale license application.
- Information needed for your online application:
- Class N License District Council Form
- The following material requirements are detailed in the Liquor - Outdoor Service Area (Sidewalk) License Handout Form
- A letter requesting that a Liquor-Outdoor Service Area (Sidewalk) license be added to your existing licenses, including details how you will operate the outdoor service area.
- A consent petition of residences and apartment houses within 300 feet of the location.
- Certificate of Insurance
- A Service Availability Charge (SAC) determination letter from the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES).
- Site Plan of sidewalk café area
- You must also obtain the Public Works Sidewalk Café Permit. You can apply separately for this permit online at PAULIE.
Inspections
This license requires inspection approvals from DSI Licensing, (651-266-8989), and Public Works (651-266-6151). Food cannot be prepared outdoors without approval from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), (651-201-4500).
Expiration/Renewal
A Sidewalk Cafe License will expire on the same date your general liability insurance expires and may be renewed annually. The Public Works Obstruction Permit is only valid from April 1st to October 31st of each year. You must obtain a new permit in January of each year that you intend to place furnishings related to a sidewalk cafe on the public sidewalk.