Would you be happy using an outdoor cafe table without purchasing anything?

Photo / Paul Estcourt

If you think those cafe tables that clutter city streets are solely for the use of paying customers, think again.

Auckland woman Jan West feels that as the chairs are on the pavement, they should be available for use by anyone who wants to stop for a snack of their own making.

And it turns out she is right.

Auckland City Council environmental health and licensing manager Chris Dee says members of the public can use a cafe owner's seating without having to buy anything, as it is on public land.