More sidewalk eateries may be coming to Myrtle Beach. But so would stricter rules regulating them.

They’re found throughout Market Common and Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk for now, but sidewalk cafes may soon be popping up in more places as city leaders consider several major rule changes.

Among them would be dropping the application fee from $50 to $500 and expanding their boundaries to locations along Chester Street and Withers Drive.

The City Council is in the early stages of proposed adjustments to sidewalk cafe policies, but some want to make sure more outdoor eating options won’t interfere with pedestrians.

“We allow it today and then five years down the road or longer, now it becomes problematic and you look at wanting to take it away,” Councilman Mike Lowder said July 12. “I’m not opposed to the sidewalk cafe idea, but I am concerned about foot traffic.”

To help with that, another potential change would be not allowing people who aren’t seated a table from using a cafe. And a business’ past track record with nuisance complaints would be considered when reviewing permits.

Outdoor dining areas helped keep many Myrtle Beach eateries functioning throughout the pandemic, and one change that could be made permanent is letting walk-up window service stay.

Last year, Conway let its restaurants offer outdoor services, and it helped some avoid closure.

Kelly Mezzapelle, a Myrtle Beach city planner, said expanding the option for sidewalk cafes in all of downtown and into the emerging arts district could be beneficial.

“First and foremost, sidewalks are for the pedestrians and in order to have a bustling sidewalk cafe you really need to have wide sidewalks, so keep that in mind as you are thinking on this,” she said.

The City Council is expected to discuss the proposals at an upcoming meeting.