The proliferation of chairs and tables outside cafes and restaurants on pedestrianized streets in Thessaloniki has spurred the country’s Ombudsman to appeal to local authorities to tackle the problem.

In a letter to the mayor of the northern city, Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, the Ombudsman called for a crackdown on bars and tavernas in the city’s popular Navarinou Square, saying the high concentration of tables and chairs there is illegal and hinders pedestrians. The letter refers to “significant violations... of provisions regulating the allocation of common space for businesses.”

Authorities say hefty fines have not deterred offenders. According to police, businesses often learn about inspections in advance and remove some tables.

Local authorities in Athens clashed with taverna and bar owners for the same reason this summer.