More outdoor seating to help cafes and pubs
WEXFORD District Council is to look at allowing restaurants, cafes and pubs faced with social distancing rules after re-opening, to extend seating areas onto the streets outside their premises.
During a local authority discussion on possible support for hard-hit businesses, Cllr. Leonard Kelly asked if the council was looking at any specific measures to help the hospitality sector which will be forced to reduce numbers on their premises.
‘Could we allow on-street tables to help businesses deal with social distancing regulations? That way, they would be able to use their outside spaces if we have a good summer,’ he said.
The Mayor, Cllr. George Lawlor said the council could close off Mallin Street for that reason, to facilitate some of the businesses there.
‘There is a business there that would welcome some move like that’, he said.
Deputy Chief Executive Tony Larkin said the council was working with the tourism industry on this exact issue to try and bring forward proposals to ease the pressures on space that continued social distancing requirements will create after re-opening.
‘We hope to have proposals to bring to the next meeting for the expected re-opening of businesses in July,’ he said, adding that it is essential to support the hotel industry as well, to help them salvage what is left of the tourist season.
‘We want to get as many good ideas as we can. This is an emergency and these businesses urgently need support. We will keep the members updated. If the members have any ideas, even ones that they have seen working in other countries, they should let us know.’