• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Tuesday June 6 2023
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bristol bars to be allowed to keep night-time outdoor seating

Bars and restaurants in Bristol city centre will be able to extend their pavement licences for night-time outdoor seating in what the city council calls “a boost ahead of summer.”

The move follows a petition campaign that was signed by 5,000 people and pressure from Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District.

In a letter sent to businesses and those who represent the bar and pub trade in the city the Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, wrote: “Bristol’s night-time economy represents a third of the city’s workforce and is a key priority for my administration.

“I’m proud to support amazing local businesses who have added further vibrancy to our city’s streets with an enhanced outdoor hospitality offer, it has been a really welcome addition.

“It’s disappointing that, after the pandemic, national government decided not extend the legislation that had provided greater flexibility in this area. This has resulted in the position we now find ourselves in, with some outdoor licences returning to the previous position of 11pm.

“There are clear benefits to extending them beyond that time where it is appropriate to do so and, of course, striking a balance with local residents.

During the pandemic a national, temporary measure was introduced to the Business and Planning Act 2020 and Licensing Act 2003 allowing all premises previously restricted to the sales of alcohol for consumption on the premises to supply alcohol for consumption off the premises.

Some businesses used this provision to place tables and chairs on the pavement outside of their premises to continue to operate under the Covid rules. These rules, set by government, allowed tables and chairs to be in place until 11pm and are due to run until September 2023.

Following a call by local businesses to consider extending the use of these temporary tables and chairs to match the opening hours of the premises, the Mayor, along with Night Time Economy Advisor, Carly Heath, asked officers to explore alternative options.

Those businesses who qualify for the proposed time extensions will now be able to ask for an amendment to their license or be given the option to apply for changes to their licensing conditions. Each premises will be considered individually based on its circumstances.