Pavement culture plans aim to help Black Country restaurants and pubs reopen
Council bosses are drawing up plans to help Black Country pubs and restaurants partially reopen next month.
Premises will be able to serve customers outside from mid-April, as part of a relaxation of lockdown measures.
In the Black Country, local authorities say they will help businesses to reopen by offering support for outdoor seating areas.
Councillor Steve Evans, environment cabinet member at Wolverhampton council, said: "Back in September we completed work in the city centre to widen pavements and worked closely with restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars across the city to help them create or expand Covid-safe outdoor seating areas.
"We will again be assisting them to see what options are available and working with the city’s Pub Watch group.
"I would encourage any business looking to use pavement space to contact the council to ensure they have the relevant permissions in place."
He said council advisors are visiting businesses and handing out 'Covid Compliant' window stickers and posters, for those that have appropriate measures in place.
In Dudley, a fast-track scheme is being explored for firms to expand outdoors.
Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for public realm, said: "One option we are exploring is the extension of the Business and Planning Act, which allows premises to move operations outdoors without requiring a variation to an existing licence.
"In addition businesses can apply for a permit via an established fast track procedure allowing the setting up of tables and chairs on the pavement.
"This would help a good number in the hospitality trade to comply with social distancing measures which will still be in place when they first re-open."
Meanwhile, Sandwell Council said it will work closely with West Midlands Police to help premises reopen.
Councillor Danny Millard, cabinet member for economy, said: "We will be working closely with the police with respect to licenced premises, starting with the venues that have outdoor space, and we plan to produce information for specific sectors as we did last time we came out of lockdown.
"Our partnership working with the police has been a key strength of our COVID-19 response in Sandwell."
Walsall Council and Staffordshire County Council were approached for comment.
