Outdoor pavement licences brought in to help pubs, restaurants and cafés continue trading during the Covid pandemic have been welcomed by local businesses.

Pavement licences allow premises to rapidly set up an outside table and chairs area and aim to support local businesses to reopen and thrive.

The licences were brought in under the Business & Planning Act 2020 and are overseen by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s licensing team.

Currently 65 cafés, pubs, bars and restaurants in B&NES have been approved for pavement licences since applications opened in July 2020. The licenses originally ran until September 2021, but are now extended for businesses until September 2022.

A further 76 businesses have this year been granted the regular tables and chairs permits offered before the pandemic.

Pavement licences have a five-day consultation period and cost £100. They differ from the tables and chairs permits that were required prior to the pandemic. Businesses can find out more and apply at: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/business/licences/pavement-licence