The "rather radical" idea was mooted yesterday by a council subcommittee considering a review of the council's 2005 policy on the commercial use of footpaths.
It followed a lunchtime drive, during which hearings subcommittee members Crs Fliss Butcher, Kate Wilson and Teresa Stevenson saw what is permitted on the city's footpaths.
"It was just so cluttered, it was incredible, " Cr Butcher said.
"Why do you pay those huge rents for George St shops with huge window fronts and then have to put a sign out in front of it? It's crazy."
The subcommittee did not see the signs as promoting businesses or positive in terms of safety or urban design, she said.
Exceptions would be made for businesses located upstairs or in alleyways which wanted a sign displayed on the footpath, and a single street-level directory would be permitted at mall entrances.
The policy on the commercial use of footpaths sets rules regarding placing signs, street furniture and other objects on footpaths. Its purpose is to ensure clear footpath access for all users.
Since the policy was introduced, signs, tables, chairs and other objects had increased significantly, council development services manager Kevin Thompson's report to the subcommittee said.
The review would more clearly define what objects were allowed and where they could be placed.
Submitters to the meeting generally agreed a revised draft policy distributed last week addressed most of the practical and necessary changes sought.
Octagon bar owners Phil Ellis and Richard Newcombe said they "totally" disagreed with removing furniture after 11pm.
There was nowhere for licensees to put the furniture as their bars were full and crowd-control issues were something that had to be dealt with outside this process.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie told the committee he was happy with the revised policy, except for some general concerns it clashed with the district plan in some areas, particularly concerning suggested restrictions on sign sizes and colours.
Prof Janet Hoeck from Otago University research group Aspire 2025 said the group would like smoking banned in seating areas outside bars in Dunedin for health and role model reasons.
Cr Butcher said the council should seriously consider the idea.
"Dunedin should be a model for the rest of the country, even if it's just this process just starts the debate," she said.
Cr Stevenson said she felt, as did at least one submitter, that verandas should be used for pedestrian shelter. She noted in the Octagon the pedestrian corridor was open to the elements, while bar owners were permitted to set up tables under cover.
The issue of advertising directly on footpaths using paint, chalk or other materials was also raised by council staff, who said that, while they would have no issue with non-commercial chalk advertisements that would wash away in the rain, some other forms permanently marked footpath surfaces and should not be permitted.
Cr Wilson said it was clear there was a divergence of opinions and the policy would need to be redrafted and sent out for consultation again.
"I'm really nervous a lot of people will be affected by this that don't understand it."
The subcommittee will begin its deliberations again in several weeks' time.
