RELAXED rules for bars and restaurants offering al fresco dining have been extended for another year.  

And councils are now offering firms the chance to reply to keep chairs and tables outside their premises until the end of September 2022. 

The Government passed new laws last year to allow cafés, restaurants and bars to safely reopen during the pandemic

They included regulations to allow them to temporarily put furniture outside on pavements using licences issued by councils. 

A deadline of the end of this month loomed for the legislation to expire. However, this has been extended until September 2022. 

Leaders at Stockton Council lined up their own plans ahead of the new laws being passed last year – with hopes it could offer a “risk free pilot” to looking at fostering a café culture in the borough. 

Cllr Steve Nelson, Stockton Council’s cabinet member for access and community safety, said: “We will be offering a re-application process for existing licence holders who wish to reapply for a pavement licence up to this date.”

Councils can charge up to £100 for pavement licences under the rules, which Stockton does.

Last year, there were calls for the council to waive the payment in line with neighbouring Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland, who offered them at no extra cost. 

But Stockton say the charge would make applicants focus on a more considered bid and that the charge would “add credibility” to the licence.

Moveable furniture which can be returned inside in the evening is a requirement of the passes – as well as ensuring tables and chairs aren’t too close together, or blocking the highway.

Stockton Council says clear routes of access along the highway must be maintained to allow disabled people to pass safely.

But using “semi-permanent structures”, such as decking or taking over car park spaces for seating, needs planning permission and approval from the highways department which can take longer.

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