The footpath past the bars on The Strand is permanently moved across to its new alignment – 4.7 metres away from the buildings.

The Tauranga City Council rules for outdoor seating see pedestrians now walking in the open on the footpath as opposed to under the shelter offered by the café and bar buildings.

Moving the pedestrians out into the weather and allowing the bars to permanently occupy the public land outside their doors is the latest in a series of schemes attempting to modify the behaviour of drinkers.

The walkway along The Strand was moved from directly outside the bars as a trial in May, but only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. It required bars to move outdoor furniture back and forth.

Last month's Tauranga City Council decision to allow bars to permanently occupy the late night Licence to Occupy areas is expected to bring closure to a lengthy period of wrangling between Strand business owners, the public and authorities over the future style of the bar and restaurant strip.

The council followed the advice of the Strand Precinct Focus Group, as presented by City Centre project manager Duarne Lankshear.

It will mean an improvement in the general look of The Strand because businesses will be better able to present their businesses, says Duarne.

It is also hoped to increase businesses with more breakfast brunch offers for morning trade.

An unresolved issue is the 50 per cent rent discount The Strand businesses are presently paying for their piece of pavement. A discount not shared by businesses occupying footpaths at The Mount, Greerton and other areas of the city. The rental issue is to be revisited after an unspecified settling in period.