Cash-strapped pubs, cafes and restaurants across Harborough to be allowed to put tables and chairs outside for free

Cash-strapped businesses will not have to pay the standard £100 pavement licence fee after it was waived by Harborough District Council at a full meeting on Monday night.

Backed by the Government, the fast-track blueprint is set to give a vital shot in the arm to desperate hospitality businesses absolutely battered by the Covid-19 lockdown.

Cllr Phil Knowles, who leads the council’s Liberal Democrats, said: “I am delighted that my motion to waive the £100 cost for this licence was picked up and voted through at the meeting.

“It’s 100 per cent the right thing to do.

“This decision is going to be reviewed in six months and that also seems fair and right to me.”

He added: “It’s very important that businesses such as pubs, restaurants and cafes can put tables and chairs outside on the path.

“They need to ramp up their trade and increase footfall now.

“We all have a duty to help them get back on their feet after this incredibly tough time.

“The £100 fee might not sound a lot.

“But it’s an awful lot of money to owners, shopkeepers and proprietors who are finding it very hard to survive.

“Talking to businessmen and women regularly in Market Harborough I know just how challenging it’s been over the last few months.

“This is a very precarious time for so many businesses.

“Let’s hope they move out on to the pavement to generate more money as soon as possible and kick on into the autumn.”

Cllr Paul Bremner said: “We had a good open debate about this issue and we decided that the £100 fee had to be set aside for now.

“If I ran a business in Harborough I’d be breaking the council’s doors down to get a pavement licence.

“Allowing customers to sit out on the pavement will also bring more shoppers and buyers into our streets and town centres so it’s positive all round.”

The Conservative councillor said struggling businesses striving to stay alive should be handed licences within 14 days of applying.

“I also think it would be a great idea if businesses were able to put their tables and chairs outside as soon as they apply for the right to do so,” said Cllr Bremner.