Review of pavement cafe licensing policy
Perth and Kinross Licensing Board is carrying out a consultation on its policy which covers the serving of alcohol in pavement cafes.
The Licensing Board's current policy allows licensed premises wishing to operate a 'pavement café' in public areas to serve alcohol ancillary to the provision of food which is substantial in nature. This means that alcohol can only be served alongside a table meal, or a light meal such as a baguette or panini(i.e. not nuts or crisps alone).
The Licensing Board has decided to review this policy by undertaking a public consultation. A number of options will be consulted upon during March 2010. They are:
- No change - The policy on pavement cafes will remain in place. The provision of alcohol in outdoor pavement areas will remain ancillary to food.
- Policy not enforced from date of Board decision until the end of October 2010. Alcohol could be served and consumed in the outdoor pavement areas until the end of October 2010 on its own without having to be ancillary to food. After that experimental period, a review is then conducted and consideration given to a permanent change.
- The existing policy on pavement cafes is revoked in its entirety as a permanent change without an experimental period. Alcohol could be sold and consumed in the outdoor pavement area on its own without having to be provided ancillary to food.
- Alcohol could be served and consumed in the outdoor areas without being ancillary to food subject to restrictions as the Board may specify either for an experimental period or as a permanent change. For example, only during the hours of 11am to 7pm. Other restrictions may also apply such as food being made available to patrons during those hours but not as a specific requirement of serving alcohol.
Letters and information has been sent out to consultees this week. Consultees include licensed premises affected by the policy, Tayside Police, Tayside Fire and Rescue, the Community Safety Partnership, NHS Tayside, local councillors, the Licensed Trade Association and residents who live near such premises.
Councillor Bob Band, Convener of the Licensing Board, said: "We have the possible option of piloting changes this summer and that is why we feel it is right to review this policy now, before our upcoming general policy review. If we wait any longer we would have missed the opportunity to trial changes during the summer months.
"It should be recognised that when considering any licensing policy the Board has to look to strike a balance between providing visitors and residents with access to a range of licensed premises, and take into account the needs and concerns of residents who live in the vicinity of such premises. It is also important that we regularly review policy to ensure that they are still suitable, or whether change is necessary.
"At this stage, the Board is consulting on various options. No decision on those options has been taken. After the conclusion of the consultation period a report will be prepared for submission to the Board for a decision. I would urge any interested parties to make their thoughts known about this matter to the Board, so members can make an informed decision on this matter."
The consultation is taking place between 4 March and 31 March 2010. Comments must be submitted by 31 March 2010 at the latest.
Comments can be sent by post to :
Clerk to Perth and Kinross Licensing Board Perth and Kinross Council
2 High Street
Perth
PH1 5PH
Email : liquorlicensing@pkc.gov.uk
Tel: 01738 475189
Fax: 01738 475167
