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.

Cost

During and following the pandemic, we previously provided alfresco (pavement) licenses free of charge but due to the administration, management and operational costs involved, we now need to charge for them.

Costs have been reviewed and from 1 October 2023, in recognition of the hospitality sectors ongoing contribution to the vibrancy of the high street and the increase in costs faced by businesses, a reduced charge will apply until 30 September 2024.

This will give a further year before the full licence cost is charged. The charge from 1 October 2023 is £100 for five seats or more and just £50 for spaces with four seats or less.

We will be reviewing our charges from October 2024 and are likely to follow the government guidelines in the 'Levelling Up Bill' and charge £450 for a license of five chairs or more and £106 for four seats or less. This will allow us to fully cover our costs.

We’ll write to you in summer 2024 to remind you to renew your license and give detail of the fee.

Businesses are expected to run their Alfresco areas in line with up-to-date national guidance

Current alfresco applications