Pavement Licence Helps Struggling Sussex Cafes And Restaurants

Tuesday, 8 June 2021 06:00

A pavement licence that will help cafes and restaurants get back on their feet is being offered to businesses in various areas of Sussex.

The licence, which is being offered free of charge by a number of district and borough councils allows businesses to place tables outside their premises to serve food and drink.

Lewes District Council said it's shelved a raft of usual licensing requirements to give customers at pubs, restaurants and cafes the opportunity to enjoy more al fresco drinking and dining during the summer months.

The council's decision to offer this licence free of charge in many areas will help hospitality businesses that have been shut because of the Covid-19 pandemic and in desperate need of a summer boost to trade.

The relaxation of regulations will give operators the scope to put out seating, tables and food stalls on pavements and marquees in pub and restaurant gardens, without any of the fees that would normally accompany a licence.

A spokesperson for Chichester District Council said:

“We have worked with a wide range of businesses to enable those that are eligible to have a licence. As part of our economic recovery support to local businesses we have not been charging for these licences.”

A Horsham District Council spokesperson said:

"As a council we have offered the pavement licence scheme under the Business and Planning Act 2020 since the Act was introduced. Whilst we do not actively promote the scheme, enabling businesses to place tables and chairs outside their premises to serve food and drinks, the information required to apply for the scheme is available on our website.

"Throughout the pandemic we have encouraged local businesses to take advantage of this service in order to boost their businesses at such difficult trading times."

Most district and borough councils across Sussex have confirmed they are also offering the scheme free of charge. Find out the full details of the scheme in your area, by visiting your local council's website.