York City Council is proposing changes to its licensing guidance and process for pavement cafes.
A review requested by Executive recognises the impact of pavement cafés on access across the city since the guidance on their operation was deregulated by the Government to support businesses during the pandemic.
Senior councillors will be asked to recommend a number of changes to the council’s licensing requirements. These would see pavement cafés in pedestrianised streets allowed on footways only if 1.5 metres remained for people to get past (width increased to 2 metres in high footfall areas, for example busy junctions, near bus stops, etc).
In addition, the recommended changes will also improve guidance on setting up a pavement café for businesses and the number of enforcement notices served before enforcement action is taken will go down from three to two letters.
A regular panel will be set up, where York groups and communities can feed back on their experience of pavement cafes. This would then inform any licence reviews, possible access improvements and enforcement action where required.
The updated licensing guidance also requires the licence holder to undertake counter terrorism training to build on work to protect everyone in the city centre.
Councillor Ashley Mason, Executive Member for Business and Strategic Planning, said: “Whilst pavement cafes are likely to remain for the long term, they are no longer part of an emergency response. A review of the guidance and conditions permitting them has been necessary to recognise and limit their impact on residents and visitors.
“The changes in guidance mostly revert to principles which existed prior to COVID, whilst enabling qualifying businesses to gain licenses quicker and cheaper. When adopted, the new guidance will be used to review applications to renew short-term licences issued for next year. We are committed to continue supporting business, but it must be done with access in mind to ensure the city centre is safe, thriving and accessible for all.”
