August 7, 2020 5.18 pm This story is over 43 months old

Businesses rush for pavement licences in Lincoln

22 applications in the first week across Lincolnshire
Photo: FIle/The Lincolnite

The City of Lincoln Council has received eight applications in just over a week from businesses looking expand their outside dining space.

The government temporarily relaxed the rules for street furniture so more people can eat outside, reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19, as well as making up for reduced numbers inside due to social distancing.

Some of those who have applied have done so for the first time, while others have applied to extend their existing seating provision further out.

None of the applications have been granted yet and must go through a short 10-day period of consultation before they can be given permission.

The Curiosity Shop. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Strategic director at City of Lincoln Council Simon Walters previously said the new tools were “vital”.

“People are still a bit reluctant to meet and socialise inside, so this enables people to meet, buy a coffee, go for a drink and reinforce that sense of safety and community,” he said.

Most of the district councils have voted to allow Lincolnshire County Council to take on the process, however, the City of Lincoln chose to take it on themselves.

The eight businesses in the county’s capital to apply and issue public notices since July 29 are:

  • Prezzo, on Brayford Wharf
  • TGI Fridays (formerly Carluccio), on High Street
  • Curtis of Lincoln, on High Street
  • Chattertons butchers, on Sincil Street
  • Royal William, on Brayford Wharf North
  • Curiosity Shop, on High Street
  • Lincoln Jazz Cafe, on Water Lane
  • Magna Carta, on Exchequer Gate

The Magna Carta pub on Exchequer Gate.

Lincolnshire County Council has also received 14 applications for businesses across the county, however, the only public notice so far is for Tillbridge Tastery in Sturton by Stow.

The county’s executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said:

“It’s good to see more than a dozen businesses looking to take advantage of the new pavement licences in the first few days alone.

“Each application will be determined in 10 working days or less, to help businesses on their road to recovery.”