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Council backs cafe culture with artificial street display

TRADERS can now avail of tables, chairs, parasols and “hedges” to develop an outdoor “cafe culture”.

The Mid and East Antrim Street Furniture Scheme, which includes portable artificial greenery, is aimed at helping owners to maximise external space and welcome customers back following lockdown.

In June, the borough council announced it would temporarily relax controls in relation to pavement cafes in a bid to support traders.

It said it is keen for businesses to use public spaces within town centres to facilitate street eateries in the use of additional outdoor seating space.

The Licensing of Pavement Cafes Act normally requires business owners to have a licence permitting them to place tables and chairs on a footpath.

Speaking previously, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: “I want to ensure we support councils and assure traders and businesses that there are no planning barriers to temporary changes.

“This sensible approach to planning enforcement will ensure that there are no unnecessary restrictions on the hospitality industry providing on-street facilities to facilitate social distancing.”

Commenting on the Street Furniture initiative, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Councillor Peter Johnston said: “During these difficult times, this is an excellent scheme which allows traders to accommodate more people outdoors.” The Street Furniture scheme is a part of the Peace IV St.art Project funded through the European Union’s Peace IV Programme and managed by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

St.art (Street Art) is a cross community, inter-generational project that works to “bring life into under-used and under-loved space”.

It is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

NEW EXPERIENCE Cafe culture is key at this time GR-EAT OUTDOORS Food on the street