St Helen's Square in York is the centre of controversy once more.

But this time it is not just the proposed statue of St Helena that is causing debate.

Instead, it is the plan by Harkers Bar to open a pavement caf outside its premises in the square.

City councillors are due to rule on the plan tonight. They must consider two letters of objection, one from a York resident, the other from the Bettys and Taylors Group, owners of the nationally famous Bettys Caf in St Helen's Square.

Their complaints centre on the risk of increased rowdiness if Harkers' pavement seating area were allowed.

The objectors believe the scheme "would turn the square into a public bar and bring with it all the potential noise and disorderly conduct which is better contained inside a pub rather than outside in front of the Lord Mayor's door".

Such concerns are understandable. In previous summers, drinkers at one of York's few al fresco venues, Kings Staith, have occasionally become overly boisterous. We would not want a repeat of this in one of the city's most important squares.

But problems at Kings Staith are partly caused by an excess of demand. There is clearly a need to create more outdoor caf and bar areas where residents and visitors can relax on a summer's day.

This has been recognised by City of York Council, which is wisely encouraging the development of a continental-style caf culture in the city. The hope is that this will bring with it the more mature, continental-style approach to alcohol consumption, rather than binge drinking that can cause problems.

To that end, a series of conditions are attached to bars which wish to be a part of the caf culture. These usually include waiter service and a ban on happy hours. With such restrictions in place, the police are confident that the risk of disorder is minimised.

In the specific case of Harkers, its application for a pavement seating area has been amended several times to meet the council's criteria. Efforts have been made to ensure it does not interfere with traffic, either pedestrian or motorised, and that it will not detract from the beauty of St Helen's Square.

On this basis, the pavement caf should make a positive contribution to the area. Two objections, including one from a business rival, should not be enough to stall this latest stage in the development of York's caf culture.

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