25 Zones in Cuenca Approved for Outdoor Dining Areas
Cuenca is set to allow outdoor furniture placement, such as tables, chairs, parasols (one per table), and planters with natural vegetation, in 25 designated zones. This is part of a new ordinance on public space use in the Historic Center, which was debated on January 9, 2025, and awaits ratification.
Key Points of the Ordinance
Applicable Establishments: Food and beverage businesses, excluding bars and nightclubs.
Requirements:
Minimum storefront width of 3.5 meters.
Maintain 1.5 meters of clear pedestrian space, avoiding ramps, crossings, or urban furniture.
Operating Hours: Initially proposed from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, but expanded to 7:00 AM to accommodate breakfast services.
Pending Adjustments
Alignment with national regulations allowing alcohol sales in restaurants until 3:00 AM.
Clarification on whether the ordinance applies to both tourist and non-tourist establishments.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Minor Violation: Fine of one Unified Basic Salary (UBS).
Three Minor Violations in One Year: Upgraded to a serious violation with a fine of four UBS.
Repeated Serious Violations: Fine increases to six UBS.
Third Serious Violation: Considered a very serious infraction, with a fine of eight UBS.
Monitoring will be handled by the Historical Areas Directorate, Urban Control, and the Citizen Guard.
Fees for Public Space Use
Charges will be calculated based on the square meters occupied, rather than the number of tables, ensuring fairness between small and large establishments. The collected funds will go towards social benefit projects for the care of the Historic Center.
Authorized Zones
Calle Larga (Benigno Malo to Puente Juana de Oro)
Calle Benigno Malo (past Calle Larga)
Plazoleta de la Merced
Honorato Vásquez (Luis Cordero to Borrero)
Plazoleta El Vergel
Calle Larga (Hermano Miguel to Mariano Cueva)
Calle Larga (Mariano Cueva to Alfonso Jerves)
Calle de las Herrerías (Av. 12 de Abril to Las Acacias)
Calle de las Herrerías (Av. 12 de Abril to Calle del Arupo)
San Blas (Tomás Ordoñez to Manuel Vega)
Pasaje Hermano Miguel
Plazoleta Pedro Toulup
Calzada de circulación peatonal de la Condamine (Calle Tarqui to Plaza del Vado)
Plazoleta de las Monjas (Plaza de la UNE)
Acera sur de Calle Simón Bolívar y Padre Aguirre, esquina
Acera este de Calle Padre Aguirre y Simón Bolívar, esquina
Plazoleta de San Francisco
Portales de Calle San Sebastián y Plaza de San Sebastián
Coronel Talbot (around Plaza del Otorongo)
Plaza del Farol
Plazoleta del Carbón
Vereda oeste de Av. Loja (Av. 12 de Abril to intersection with Calle del Farol)
Bajada del Padrón
Acera oeste de Avenida Solano (Av. 12 de Abril to Daniel Córdova)
Plazoleta de la Música
Next Steps
The final approval of the ordinance will be addressed in an upcoming session of the Cantonal Council, incorporating further considerations. A meeting with the Ministry of Tourism is also planned to ensure alignment with national policies.