More businesses across Winchester district set to offer outdoor seating
Winchester City Council is helping cafés, pubs and restaurants across the Winchester district to provide extra outdoor seating for customers. New Pavement Licences can now be secured quickly by businesses wishing to place new or additional tables and chairs outside, enabling them to continue serving customers whilst maintaining social distancing.
The new licences, which were introduced by the government in July, mean it is much quicker and cost effective for local food and drinks businesses to place outdoor furniture on a year-long basis.
Winchester City Council Leader, Cllr Lucille Thompson, added:
“We are doing all we can to support our local businesses and we welcome this new legislation which will make it easier and quicker for cafés, restaurants and pubs to have outdoor seating. We hope to see more businesses making use of Pavement Licences to help them welcome more customers and maintain social distancing.”
The new Pavement Licences are determined within 14 days compared to 35 days with the Tables and Chairs Permits (Highways Act 1980), and are valid for 12 months or until September 2021 (whichever is soonest).
To apply for a Pavement Licence visit https://www.winchester.gov.uk/licensing/tables-chairs