Hounslow Council is committed to supporting Hounslow’s businesses recover from the restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A new Fast Track Pavement Licence has been introduced, which costs £100 and is valid for 12 months.
The new licence allows businesses to use more of the space outside of their premises, helping them to be COVID-19 Secure whilst protecting as many hospitality jobs as possible. The fast track application can be used for a pavement licence to put removable furniture on the highway adjacent to the premises. Premises for which an application can be made include pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants or other drinking establishments, and premises for the sale of food for consumption on or off the premises.
Businesses wishing to apply for a Fast Track licence with a 7 day consultation period can do so by completing the online e-form and making payment. Please note that the granting of a pavement licence only permits the placing of furniture on the highway. Other regulatory frameworks still apply such as the need for alcohol licences and the need to comply with registration requirements for food businesses.
Councillor Dunne, Cabinet Member for Communities and Climate Emergency, said:
“We recognise the pressures which businesses have been under during the pandemic and we’d like to support them as much as possible to help them get back on their feet by allowing extra capacity for customers. Our teams are here to help businesses reopen safely, increase their business area to include more visitors, and keep to the social distancing guidelines.”
“It’s really important to us to support our business owners and our local economy as much as possible. We want people to enjoy themselves today and throughout the summer, but we also need to ensure that safety measures and social distancing rules continue to be followed as rigorously as possible.”
Councillor Richard Foote, Chair of the Licensing Committee, said:
“By encouraging licences for street cafes across the borough, we hope that it will support local businesses to gain a quicker recovery to support the local economy. The application process is quick and easy and we encourage cafes, restaurants, and pubs to apply for a licence so they can maximise the space in front of their premises.”
“The Council has shared guidance toolkits for businesses to reopen safely and to ensure that they are Covid-19 Secure, as well as that disabled access and pedestrian safety are taken into consideration. We want businesses to remember that they need to provide at least 1.5m space around their licensed area to ensure pedestrian safety.”
For more information and to apply for the Fast Track licence, please click here.
Free 1-1 business support and risk assessment advice is available by emailing to schedule an appointment info@saferbusinesshounslow.co.uk or by phone 07944 373 605