A police operation in Monastiraki, central Athens, took place yesterday to help municipal work crews clean up the main square from illegally placed tables and chairs after four restaurant and cafe owners refused to pay fines and clear the area.

With the help of municipal law enforcement, police oversaw the operation that involved placing tables and chairs on the backs of two nearby parked trucks.

The roads blocked by the tables and chairs are used by ambulances and fire trucks, according to authorities.

Additionally, the neighborhood is categorized under Greek law as an archaeological area which means that restauranteurs need a special permit to place tables and chairs there.

Senior municipal officials warned store owners that if the tables reappear, they they will be removed again.