>The sidewalk is public space. Does the public give away free real estate to the restaurant, to be used to generate revenue by the square foot? If the restaurant wants outdoor dining, they can build it on their own property. Perhaps the city should at least charge rent (in non-pandemic times).

The public collects a 10%ish[0] tithe on all that additional revenue, acting as if there is no financial benefit for the state (and public at large) is silly.

[0]Sales tax + income tax