'Pavement licenses' granted to businesses in Lancaster allow them to serve food and drink outside

The Business and Planning Act enables councils to help hospitality businesses to reopen and be allowed to serve food and drink outside via pavement licences.

Since the new legislation was introduced in July, the council has received five complete applications for this new type of licence.

Two have been granted, one is still pending and two have been withdrawn by the applicant.

The council has also received two incomplete applications which will only become valid when all the necessary information has been submitted.

A spokesperson said that prior to the introduction of the Business and Planning Act, street café licences were issued under the provisions of the Highways Act 1980.

This process takes longer than the new provisions and those businesses already holding these licences, continue to operate under their existing permissions.

Councillor Colin Hartley, Chair of Licensing Committee, said: “The hospitality sector has been hit hard by the effects of coronavirus and we are supportive of pavement licences in appropriate locations as a way of helping businesses to bounce back from its impact.

“We would encourage applicants to read the advice, guidance and pavement licence policy which is available on the council’s website and take the time to submit a well-considered application.

"Applicants are advised to speak to neighbours before submitting an application so that any concerns regarding noise, litter or other issues can be addressed at the outset.

”This will avoid delays in processing applications or reasons for having to withdraw applications at the eleventh hour.”