City of London to continue offering free alfresco pavement licences to hospitality businesses

The City of London Corporation has agreed to continue issuing pavement licences free of charge to suitable premises until the end of September to help support the hospitality industry.

The six-month licences allow holders to place removable furniture on pavements, for example, hospitality businesses offering al fresco dining. Since August last year, 58 applications were lodged, of which 40 were granted.

Some of the first batch to be issued are now due to expire and the extension of the scheme, funding for which has been approved by the City Corporation's licencing committee, means businesses can re-apply free of charge.

Chair of the planning and transportation committee at the City of London Corporation, Alastair Moss, said: "The majority of establishments which wanted to take up the offer to reinstate their pavement licences have been able to do so and it remains vitally important that these outdoor dining options are retained wherever it is appropriate.

"As soon as current government restrictions are eased, we expect to see a return of workers and visitors to an even-better Square Mile – issuing these free of charge pavement licences will mean the City can once again be enjoyed by all as the weather improves."

Chairman of the City of London Corporation's licencing committee, Sophie Fernandes, added: "The hospitality sector has endured very difficult times over the last few months, and we hope the continuation of al fresco dining options will give venues the flexibility they need to fully resume trading as soon as government restrictions are eased.

"The City is home to many treasured cafés, restaurants and pubs, and this decision could be what allows them to safely, comfortably and profitably re-open."

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