In Seattle they do. And they need to keep the path clear.
Since Seattle eased its policy on sidewalk-cafe permits in late 2008, almost 100 cafe and restaurant owners have received approval or are awaiting approval to put cocktail tables and seats along the sidewalk, usually in heavy foot traffic and barhopping areas.
Cost: The cost of a city permit was lowered from $2,100 (and sometimes as high as $3,700) to $707 for a 100-square-foot sidewalk cafe. Annual renewal costs $253 for a 100-square-foot cafe (based on $97 renewal fee plus $1.56 per square foot.)
Time: The permit process takes about 10 days, streamlined from years past.
Rules: Downtown, sidewalk cafes must leave 6 feet of open space from the end of the sidewalk dining area to the curb or other object, such as a tree pit or parking pay station. Outside of downtown, the requirement is at least 5 feet of open space, though the city can require more.