More than 50 Island businesses have been putting tables and chairs on pavements without permission.
The Isle of Wight council is cracking down on businesses that failed to renew their pavement licensing consents.
What a pavement licensing allows
A pavement licensing consent allows businesses like pubs, cafes and restaurants to put counters and stalls, tables and chairs, and umbrellas, barriers or heaters on the public highway.
The council has said the number of businesses is reducing as the licensing team works with businesses to update permissions, but could not provide an official figure.
Possible enforcement action
If businesses fail to renew their licence then enforcement action could be taken.
The Isle of Wight council said it has not yet had to take enforcement action as it has been speaking with premises individually.
Brought in during the Covid pandemic
A council spokesperson said it is working its way through speaking to those who haven’t renewed their consents, as some may no longer require it for various reasons.
The pavement licence was brought in during the Covid pandemic to make it easier for premises to use the outside areas, and a quicker process for businesses to go through.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
