Fees for tables and chairs are waived

The fee West Sussex restaurants and cafés with licensed outdoor seating have to pay has been waived for a year.

West Sussex County Council took the decision in recognition of the unprecedented challenges facing businesses during the coronavirus emergency.

Roger Elkins, cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, has waived the fee for licensing of tables and chairs on pavements until April 2021.

However, businesses will still need to apply for a licence.

These details will help council officers’ efforts to ensure the highway is controlled for public safety, such as ensuring social distancing measures are in place and that there are no obstructions for passers-by who have disabilities, such as the visually impaired.

Mr Elkins said: “We recognise the need to support local businesses as the country enters recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.

“This action supports the reopening of high streets across the county whilst ensuring we keep members of the public safe.”

The council will be reviewing any licence fees for the current year which have already been paid and traders will be contacted.

Horsham District Council has delegated authority on the licensing of tables and chairs in Horsham town centre under its own charging system.

A spokesman for HDC said: “In recognition of the challenges faced by businesses during the Covid-19 crisis, Horsham District Council has taken the decision to give a three month extension to existing licences for tables and chairs outside cafés and restaurants in Horsham town centre to cover the period of the lockdown when businesses were unable to trade.

“The council is working closely with local businesses in Horsham and throughout the district to provide a range of support measures as they come out of lockdown and beyond, including advice on how to adapt their business, provision of signage to help businesses return to trading safely, and a range of financial measures, helping businesses apply for support grants.”