More outdoor seating to boost city’s cafes and restaurants

The government’s Business and Planning Bill will enable Brighton and Hove City Council to ‘fast track’ some planning and licencing laws, in order to help the city’s hospitality industry in light of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Changes to the current licensing laws means that places like pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars will find it easier to serve customers outdoors.

The bill offers businesses a ‘fast tracked’ application for pavement licences, which enable businesses to set tables and chairs alongside their premises, providing more space for customers to socially distance.

Brighton and Hove has one of the highest number of food and drink premises anywhere outside of London, meaning a large number of businesses are set to benefit from the changes.

New temporary rules include; providing licensing laws to businesses more quickly and cutting the usual price of licence fees till April 2021.

Despite new legislation being in place until September 2021, any breaches of licensing conditions means that licences can be revoked. For example, if highways become unfit for public use, businesses could face scrutiny.

Highway enforcement officers, colleagues in environmental health and Sussex Police will all evaluate locations to see if they are eligible for a temporary pavement licence.

Businesses that have already obtained a pavement licence can potentially offer ‘off sales’ and delivery services.

However, rules regarding licensing objectives like ID checking will still have to be maintained.

Businesses that seek to expand their outdoor seating areas will have to provide notices in their shop front about their plans. Residents will also have the opportunity to offer input over a seven day consultation period.

Steve Davis, the city council’s deputy chair of the licencing committee, addressed the need to support businesses during this time, in order to help them recover from the pandemic.

The option of outdoor dining would improve visitor safety and provide a boost for traders, he said.

He added: “The outdoor, café culture of many parts of our city, including the North Laine and the Lanes attract many visitors and residents each year, who enjoy visiting our city’s many independent businesses.

“We also ask our traders to consider how outdoor layouts can support access for residents with disabilities and ensure road safety. We know Covid-19 will continue to strain our city’s tourist and visitor economy, so it’s essential that our open spaces are more accessible and welcoming to all.”