Idk about that case, but here all sidewalk patio tables are banned unless you get a permit, and that permit decides if there is room for pedestrians to pass the tables.

Good. Ban all fucking sidewalk tables. Why? Because they're on the fucking SIDEWALK, where people fucking walk.

But that's modern journalism for you, an asshole without empathy making stupid assumptions. Plus zero awareness of the disabled and their need to use clear sidewalks for mobility.