The Nelson City Council is considering a ban on sandwich boards on footpaths as part of updating its Urban Environments Bylaw.
While businesses see these boards as crucial for attracting customers, they can be hazards for people who are blind, have low vision, or mobility issues.
Tim Babbage, who has run Beggs Music for 39 years, argues that sandwich boards are more effective than other advertising methods for his store. He believes banning them would harm local businesses and make Nelson less vibrant.
Yusuf Corten from Kebab Kitchen shares this sentiment, fearing his business might not survive without the boards.
On the other hand, Karen Wilson from Blind Citizens NZ finds sandwich boards dangerous. They can block entrances and make it hard for people with low vision to navigate. Elizabeth Perrone of CCS Disability Action supports the ban, noting it would benefit the disabled and elderly populations.
However, she opposes reducing the clear footpath space from two meters to 1.8 meters, as it would create a crowded and hazardous environment.
The Council is also considering placing the boards along the curb instead of near storefronts if they are not banned. The decision will affect public land, while private properties can still use sandwich boards.
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