Free licences for street business

Bars, restaurants and cafes will be able to apply for a free pavement licence to enable customer social distancing.

Lincolnshire County Council is working with the district councils to enable the licences to be issued in ten working days or less.

The policy has also been extended to shop owners who want to put a stall on the street outside their premises.

Once approved, the licence will be valid until the end of September 2021.

“This is an overhaul of the previous street cafe licensing, to streamline the process and help kick start the local economy safely,” said Coun Richard Davies, executive member for highways.

The temporary licences will be given free of charge.

“Being able to use the street outside their premises will help businesses bounce back after three months with their doors closed and bring life back into our town centres,”said Coun Davies.

In order to apply for a pavement licence, businesses will have to fulfil a range of criteria.

The number of tables and chairs along with their location will need to be stated.

They will also need public liability insurance for at least £5m and specify the days of the week and times the furniture will be on the highway.

Pedestrians, parking and traffic should not be affected by the furniture.

The government is considering new legislation which moves issuing the licences from county to district councils.

More information can be found at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/licences-permits

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