A consensus is being sought regarding Oristano's outdoor dining. Following requests from some of the historic center's business owners, the majority party supporting Mayor Massimiliano Sanna is considering a possible amendment to the regulation that went into effect eight months ago.
The idea gaining traction is to increase the maximum space allowed outside restaurants for tables, chairs, and umbrellas from 30 to 50 square meters .
The discussion began Wednesday evening in the City Hall, where a dozen or so workers were received by the mayor and Valentina De Seneen, Councilor for Productive Activities. Councilors Paolo Angioi and Antonio Franceschi, as well as Councilors Gian Michele Guiso and Fulvio Deriu, also attended the meeting.
The sticking point remains the 30-square-meter limit set by the regulation approved by the City Council on September 12, 2025, following a process that lasted over two years, involving discussions with trade associations, council committees, and amendments. Before the regulation came into force, a six-month transition period was also established to allow businesses to adapt.
Once that phase had passed, the local police began inspecting occupied spaces and permits, reigniting the debate. There's no unanimous position among the business owners themselves: some are asking for an increase to 40 or 50 square meters, others are aiming for up to 90. Meanwhile, several businesses have already complied with the new rules.
<p>Outdoor seating in Oristano (photo Guarna) </p>The requests will now be discussed again by the center-right coalition. The emerging trend seems to be toward considering a limited exemption, but any changes will still have to be approved again by the City Council. This makes immediate decisions unlikely.