Delight at move to allow outdoor dining
Extension to licences allowing outdoor areas for restaurants and bars provides ‘lifeline’
Al fresco dining will be allowed to continue in Bath and North East Somerset for another year, the council has said.
Pavement licences were brought in last summer to let cafes, restaurants and pubs set up chairs and tables outside their premises.
Louis Lewis-smith, who runs the Dark Horse, said it had been a “lifeline” for business and that the decision to allow it for another year was “very, very welcome”.
Traders can now apply to renew their licence for the coming year or make a new application if they have not already got a permit.
Over the 12 months, 69 local cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants have set up outdoor seating to boost trade after lockdown.
This is in addition to 79 businesses that had already applied for regular tables and chairs permits before the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Lewis-smith said: “The terrace at The Dark Horse has been hugely successful.
“This lifeline of being able to trade outdoors was very, very welcome and I’m thankful to those at the council who made the process easy and were understanding of our needs as a business.”
Cllr Richard Samuel, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources and economic development at Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “Businesses are still facing serious challenges and we need to offer as much support as we can to help them recover and flourish.
“Pavement licenses have proved an invaluable lifeline to many hospitality businesses during the pandemic, enabling them to open safely and cater for al fresco eating and drinking. I’ve been delighted to see many residents and visitors taking advantage of this, helping contribute to the recovery and vibrancy of our towns and city.”
Cllr Tim Ball, the council’s cabinet member for planning and licensing, added: “We’ll be contacting all current pavement licence holders shortly and inviting them to submit a further application.
“If you are considering applying but aren’t sure whether your business qualifies, you’ll find lots of helpful information on our website.”
You can find out more and apply at: www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/ business/licences/pavement-licenceand-tables-and-chairs-permit/pavement-licence-frequently.