Pavement cafe scheme to become permanent

A pavement café scheme launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic is set to become a permanent feature in Belfast.

Belfast City Council introduced a temporary scheme in June 2020 to help hospitality businesses respond to the lockdown restrictions on the sector, but a consultation is now underway with a view to the pavement café scheme becoming permanent from January 2024.

The council said there are currently 94 pavement cafés in Belfast operating with temporary licences.

It authorises businesses supplying food or drink, in or from premises, to place furniture in a public area for use by customers.

It has already been harnessed by dozens of cafés, restaurants, pubs and retail outlets providing refreshments.

Subject to approval, a transition period of three months from January will be introduced to enable current licensed businesses to continue to operate until the granting of a permanent licence is determined.

The ongoing consultation involves engagement with existing licensees, the local business community, representatives of organisations supporting disabled people and other government agencies.

A public consultation survey to provide feedback on pavement cafés and the proposed licence scheme is also available on ‘Your Say Belfast’ at https://yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk/