Local cafés, restaurants and bars in Crawley can now apply for free pavement licences to provide outdoor seating, following a change in legislation in July 2020. This is one of a series of measures afforded to Crawley Borough Council to help boost the recovery process for local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. No business can operate any trading or provide outdoor tables and chairs without an appropriate consent or pavement licence in place. To make a licence application, business owners are required to complete an online application form. oBusinesses will also need to ensure any outdoor seating arrangements comply with social distancing measures and COVID-19 secure business practices. Chair of Licensing Committee, Councillor Michael Jones, said: “Like many others, our local hospitality industry has been hit hard by the pandemic. The next few months are going to be crucial for their recovery and the council is committed to supporting our local businesses as much as possible. “This change in legislation means that we have been able to respond quickly to enable our borough’s cafes and restaurants to have tables and chairs outside their premises, to attract more customers and make it a safer environment during the pandemic For more information, visit https://crawley.gov.uk/business/licensing/other-licences-and-consents/pavement-licence |