Issue - meetings

Report of Health Protection, Compliance and Licensing Manager

Purpose of report

To present to the General Licensing Committee a new Pavement Licence Policy. The new policy is included in Appendix 2 together with proposed new standard conditions.

Recommendations

The General Licensing Committee resolves:

1.1     To approve the new Pavement Licence Policy for adoption from the 1 April 2026 to ensure that the Council’s policy reflects the current Government guidance.

Resolved

(1)      That the new Pavement Licensing Policy be approved for adoption from 1 April 2026.

The Health Protection, Compliance and Licensing Manager submitted a report to seek approval the new Pavement Licensing Policy for adoption from the 1 April 2026 to ensure that the Council’s policy reflected the current Government guidance be approved.

In introducing the report, The Health Protection, Compliance and Licensing Manager explained that the policy had been developed in response to legislative provisions enabling businesses, particularly hospitality venues to place furniture such as tables and chairs on the highway. The policy aimed to balance support for local economic activity with the need to ensure public safety, accessibility, and amenity.

In the course of the discussion, Committee Members considered the need to strike an appropriate balance between supporting local businesses and safeguarding the public realm. Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on pedestrians and the practicalities of enforcing licence conditions.

Members also highlighted concerns about ensuring sufficient space for wheelchair users and visually impaired pedestrians, as well as avoiding cluttered pavements, and sought assurance that the policy included robust protections for vulnerable users.

In response to a question, the Health Protection, Compliance and Licensing

Manager confirmed that appropriate accessibility standards were incorporated within the policy and advised that enforcement mechanisms were in place to address non-compliance.

The Health Protection, Compliance and Licensing Manager explained that the policy included provision for consultation and flexibility in its application. The Committee was further reassured that the policy was consistent with current legislation and reflects local requirements.

Resolved

(1)        That the new Pavement Licensing Policy be approved for adoption from 1 April 2026