When Charline Clain and Sebastian Cruces strolled around the sunny centre of Dublin last Saturday afternoon, they were surprised to find the outdoor seating they used to frequent at Ciss Maddens bar on Drury Street was no longer there.“That’s what we were just talking about because we saw that the terrace has disappeared,” says Clain, a project manager, sitting on the kerb outside Ciss Maddens eating a cookie. “I don’t want to promote the consumption of alcohol or whatever but I think that, personally I am from France, and we have a lot of terraces and it doesn’t mean to drink alcohol but just to be able to sit outside.”Clain and Cruces are among the thousands of people who flock to Drury Street on sunny days, a pastime that has been jokingly dubbed “Drury Duty” by some content creators on TikTok. As a result of pandemic-era outdoor dining rules, combined with the partial pedestrianisation of the street, Drury Street has experienced a huge influx of young people hanging out on the pavement to people-watch, eat, drink and chatter. Among a certain age group in Dublin, it is more desirable to sit on the pavement of Drury Street than on a barstool elsewhere. The practice is not without its detractors, however, as one trader on the street complained on Saturday of a 50 per cent decrease in business on sunny days. The trader did not want to be identified, saying when they had spoken out about the matter before they had received abuse online. Other traders, such as designer Helen McAlinden, have previously praised the lively atmosphere and “buzz”, but have also complained that business has been affected by customers being unable or unwilling to battle through the crowds to get to her women’s clothing store.Last year, a debate flared up over the function of the street after signs were erected urging the public not to sit on the kerbs. The argument has arisen once again after Dublin City Council revoked the outdoor licence of Ciss Maddens, which pub owner Paul Keaveny described as “surprising”.Keaveny said he was hoping to engage with the council on the matter. A spokesman for the council said it welcomed “the vibrancy and energy that Drury Street brings to our city centre and we recognise how important it is as a social space, particularly for younger Dubliners”, but it had a responsibility “to ensure that all public spaces remain safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone – businesses, residents and visitors alike”.Charline Clain and Sebastian Cruces on Dublin's Drury Street last Saturday afternoon. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien Those who enjoy using the street have different views. Clain suggests outdoor seating licences could help visitors who have accessibility issues. “Not everyone can sit on the floor like this. I think it’s a pity, especially for the summer season,” she says. Cruces agrees, adding: “I actually work in tourism and I always recommend these streets because they can see the vibes and what the culture in Dublin is. It’s way more than just drinking outside, but the vibes on the street. We don’t really get a lot of days with sun so when they don’t give that option to sit outside and just like have some drinks and chatting with your family and friends, it’s sad.” Kelly Hogan from Tallaght is also sitting on the pavement of Drury Street, with her baby in a buggy and her partner Declan Kenny.“We never really come into town that often but it’s somewhere to sit because it’s a lovely day,” she says.“It’s nice to have a bit of atmosphere around. Even if you are not talking to them yourself it’s nice to be able to see people.” Kelly Hogan and Declan Kenny on Dublin's Drury Street. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien