The co-founder of Bermudians Against Narcotics is behind a plan for al fresco dining on Court Street.

Clinton Mohammad has sought Planning permission to change the use of a building on the corner of Elliott and Court streets into a restaurant with sidewalk dining.

The Corporation of Hamilton have already approved the plan and agreed to widen the sidewalk.

?I felt a need to highlight the area. The area needs to be cleaned up,? Mr. Mohammad said yesterday. ?It needs some input from businesses and residents to make it more wholesome. Neighbourhood people can come and sit and eat as well as tourists.?

He said the restaurant would serve Bermudian cuisine and would open in April pending Planning approval.

Mr. Mohammad said he was still discussing the name of the restaurant with his business partner.

Corporation of Hamilton City Engineer David Graham said in a November 25 letter that the Corporation had approved Mr. Furbert?s request.

?The Corporation will make arrangements to have the sidewalk widened as soon as our work schedule permits,? Mr. Graham said.

The Planning application, by HEGNI Architectural Design Services, includes three tables on a covered sidewalk. Three more tables are situated inside as well as two eating counters.

A new kitchen and food preparation area, heated deli counter and refrigerated sandwich counter was also planned.

A change of use from commercial/retail space to a restaurant was already approved last May.

Bermudians Against Narcotics was co-founded by Mr. Mohammad and Takbir Sharrieff.