Hospitality businesses in City of London face outdoor seating ban

Hospitality businesses in the City of London are facing the prospect of being unable to utilise outside space for seating when they can open after officials issued a blanket revoking of licences.

In a message sent to businesses, the City of London corporation said it had considered the use of public space in the City and decided licences should be revoked to help pedestrians meet Covid-19 distancing requirements.

It read: "Public safety is of primary consideration and to this end, the City is undertaking steps to ensure that people have the space they need to comfortably and safely maintain social distancing while walking and spending time on the City's streets."

All tables and chairs licences in the City have been suspended since 21 March 2020 and restaurants have been told they are "not permitted to place any items on the public highway/City walkway".

The suspension of licences will be kept under review with an update anticipated towards the end of June.

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