Council waives pavement licence fees to help recovery
PUBS, cafes and restaurants in West Lancashire wanting to secure a “pavement licence” for tables and chairs outside their premises will not have to pay a fee – unlike businesses in other parts of the country.
West Lancashire Borough Council (WLBC) agreed to waive administration costs for any applications as part of efforts to help business and the local economy bounce back after the lockdown.
The temporary licences, which will be valid for a year and no longer than until September 30 2021, will allow bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs to seat and serve customers outside to improve social distancing.
The new scheme is part of the Government’s Business and Planning Act 2020 and is designed to speed up the application process and make it easier.
Local authorities are allowed to charge up to £100 per application to help cover administration costs but WLBC has decided to waive any fee and is now taking applications online.
A council spokesman said: “As part of our focus to support local businesses and the economy recover from the impact of Covid we have taken the decision not to charge for the application.
“If you are a business owner please get in touch at pavementcafelicence@ westlancs.gov.uk to discuss your proposals before submitting an application so we can work with you to ensure that space for pedestrians and social distancing is maintained.”