A two-week pilot to test outdoor dining on Franklin Street in Manuka started on October 29. The ACT government said it was designed to help the hospitality industry and improve the city's nightlife.

The street's westbound lane has been closed, but the eastbound lane remains open to traffic. If the pilot is successful, the street will be partially closed until November 22, and the program may be extended to streets across the city.

The owners of the Martin Street pharmacy and newsagency said road closures to assist in outdoor dining had already hurt their bottom line.

Manuka Newsagency's Matt Nobbs said the closure had caused a "definite decline in trade and massive inconvenience to customers".

"It's been closed for four days now and labelling it a disaster is being kind," he said.

"There has been no promotion, no offer to entice or no apology for the disruption. I had 36 Canberra Times [newspapers] not sold on Saturday. The week before, I sold out. Same number supplied. That's only one product amongst many."

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However, other Manuka hospitality businesses have said they support the program.

Italian Brothers owner and Inner-South Business Council chairman John-Paul Romano said the initiative had been "absolutely invigorating and revitalising."

"We have had a huge uptick in trade since we've been able to place tables and chairs on the road," Mr Romano said.

"When everyone is ready and has their set-up in place, it will look amazing, vibrant and will really bring life back to Franklin Street and Manuka, which has struggled from COVID and in previous years.

"This is the smoothest and most efficient interaction many businesses in Manuka have ever had with the ACT government ...

"They have been incredibly helpful and have come to meet us in person a number of times."

Mr Romano said the road closure had had minimal impact, as it had always been difficult to park on Franklin Street.

"It's very seldom that you can find a park on Franklin Street; there are several other taxi ranks in Manuka, some just metres away from the closed [taxi] rank," he said.

"Similar closures of roads to allow for outdoor dining are happening all over Australia and have been happening in Europe for hundreds of years."

A letter to the ACT government signed by other business owners on the street opposed the pilot program.

"We all acknowledge that the hospitality industry has been impacted more than most by COVID-19 and are supportive of them being creative in trying to get back lost earnings," it said.

"We do not believe that should be at the detriment of other businesses and their ability to generate an income."

The letter was co-signed by Matt Nobbs of Manuka Newsagency, Matt Develin of Manuka Pharmacy and Angelo Petridis of My Café and Downtown Milk Bar.

The ACT government said Mr Petridis has now signed onto the pilot program.

"The pilot is providing more opportunities for businesses [through outdoor dining]," an ACT government spokesperson said.

"All hospitality businesses on the street are participating in this pilot.

"The pilot ... will be reviewed after a two-week period and will take on board all feedback received."

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