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The process of applying for al fresco dining space could be simplified following a policy letter submitted to the States' Assembly by the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure.
The Committee is recommending changes to make it more straightforward for businesses which want to extend onto the street outside their premises.
At the moment, businesses can apply to the Royal Court for licences to allow al fresco dining on specific areas of land. Under the proposed changes, the Committee would designate 'al fresco zones' within which the Committee, rather than the Royal Court, would grant permits for al fresco dining.
Pictured: Al fresco dining has previously been allowed on some specific days with restaurants serving food and drink in spaces normally busy with traffic.
The intention of the proposed change is to speed up the process and remove the involvement of advocates and court fees.
Al fresco zones would only be designated only after consultation with the public.
“We know how popular al fresco dining is and we wanted to make the application process more streamlined without compromising on important considerations like safety,” said Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure.
“This is ultimately aimed at making the process simpler for businesses and facilitating something that is good for the sector and enjoyed by islanders and visitors alike. The positive response the idea has had so far is encouraging.”
Pictured: Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure.
“Any applications for sites falling outside the designated al fresco zones would be via the current system.
“The existing application process for liquor licences is not proposed to change.
“Similarly, the current process for the handling of one-off applications for temporary road closures for al fresco, e.g. Seafront Sundays, will not change.
“Key stakeholders, including...the Committee for Economic Development, the Committee for Home Affairs and the Development & Planning Authority, have been consulted on the plans and have indicated their full support for the proposals.”
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