Cafés, restaurants and bars in Welwyn Hatfield are facing higher costs if they want to set up tables and seating on the pavement.
Previously, businesses had to pay £100 for a temporary pavement licence allowing them to set up outdoor tables and seating.
But, last year, the government raised the cap for the fees councils are allowed to charge, and as a result the cost in Welwyn Hatfield is set to rise to £500 for new applications and £350 for renewals. Both costs are the highest allowed under the current system.
Businesses will, however, now be able to apply for two-year licences rather than one-year licences as was the case previously.
Temporary pavement licences were introduced nationally in 2020 to help businesses recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. The changes became permanent in revised legislation brought forward by the government in 2023.
Four businesses in Welwyn Hatfield currently have pavement licences – Burger King, Nook, Megan’s and Postino Lounge, all located in Welwyn Garden City’s Howardsgate. Each business will have to renew their licence this year.
Members of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s licensing committee met on Thursday (August 22) and unanimously voted in support of the fee increase, which still needs to be signed off by the full council.
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