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Alfresco license

We want to support bars, cafes and restaurants to succeed in these challenging times and although they may have limited interior space, we want businesses to take advantage of the outside.

We also want to transform the heart of our high streets by highlighting and expanding its alfresco and continental feel and give more space to people to enjoy our beautiful areas and what they have to offer. Offering outdoor or ‘Alfresco’ dining to customers is a great opportunity to increase trade.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) we have temporarily relaxed our position on licences. We have created guidelines to show our position and what is acceptable on our high streets at this time. In order to help you to recover from the pandemic, licences will be free of charge until September 2023.

Businesses are expected to run their alfresco areas in line with up to date national guidance.

How do I apply?

You will need the following before you can submit your application:

  • a site plan to a scale of no less than 1:100 showing the location and dimensions of the area and its associated furniture (in the case of a pedestrian area, the line of the opposite units must to be shown)
  • a valid insurance policy
  • premise licence (where applicable)
  • it is expected that prior to application, businesses discuss their proposals with nearby businesses

Once the application has been submitted you will be asked to display a notice for five days in the premise the alfresco application relates to. This notice will invite comments and detail how representations can be made. We will provide you with a decision within five working days following the expiry of the notice. Application documents will be shared for consultation purposes.

Successful applicants will be granted a licence free of charge until September 2023. If you wish to make changes over this period you need to fill out the same form. We will notify you when it is time for renewal.

If you intend to use the stall area on The Rows, you will be required to carry out an additional risk assessment complying with Building Control Regulations regarding railing height, electrical testing and recognition of safety issues caused by bad weather.