With government COVID-19 rules set to be relaxed in April cafés, Liverpool restaurants, pubs and bars will be allowed to serve people outside – but they must apply for a pavement licence

Liverpool’s cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars are being urged to make sure they have a pavement licence if they are planning to reopen on Monday, April 12.

Government guidelines are expected to be relaxed next month, allowing hospitality venues to serve food and drink to customers sitting outside. Liverpool City Council is encouraging businesses to apply as soon as possible for a pavement licence.

Those which currently hold a pavement licence do not need to reapply yet, as theirs will remain valid until September 30. If there is enough outdoor space on the pavement outside the premises and the business can meet a number of conditions, including ensuring COVID-safe measures are in place, permission is likely be given to place tables and chairs outside.

Following the first lockdown in 2020, the city council issued more than 160 licences to venues across the city, allowing them to reopen their doors to customers once again. Due to the time taken to process the licences, any business looking to trade from the  April 12 must submit an application as soon as possible.

Enforcement action could be taken against any business that places furniture on the pavement without having been issued a pavement licence. For more information and to apply, click here.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Councillor Sharon Connor, said: “We know the hospitality sector is eager to welcome back customers and it was a relief for many that the April 12 is a date they can aim for to get their businesses up and running again.

“This sector play a hugely important role in our economy and we want to do everything we can to help businesses reopen their doors. Pavement licences are essential. Any business that does not currently have one but wants to offer that outdoor experience to their customers, must have one in place.”