One obvious problem is traffic. Anyone who has visited St Kilda in summer or at the weekend when there are cars circling everywhere knows this only too well. Fitzroy Street is more than 900 parking spaces short at peak times. Parking can be bad for visitors, but even worse for residents, some of whom have ended up in tears after searching vainly for a park. Littered and stained footpaths also need regular cleaning and repairs.
Many diners seem to think dropping their cigarette butts on the footpath is quite acceptable.
And when smoking is banned in restaurants and cafes from July next year, the footpath is likely to become an even bigger public ashtray. If butts get in the gutters, they end up in our bay. Other costs are hidden from a casual visitor. Cafe society can be a real pain for neighbors. Loud music, bottles being dumped in bins, rubbish collections, smoke or greasy food smells can drive locals spare.