Businesses owners in Barry have expressed their anger at the Vale of Glamorgan Council's proposal to increase the cost of having outdoor seating. As part of their proposed fees and charges for 2023/24 as part of the annual budget, the council are looking at increasing the cost for businesses to have outdoor seating on pavements by as much as £750 for the year.
Businesses that have between five and 10 tables on pavements might have to pay £500 more than what they already do. This would take the cost of their outdoor seating licence from £500 to £1,000 for the year. With already high energy costs and spiralling inflation, some businesses in the Vale are saying the proposed charge is a step too far.
"They are adding more pressure on the small businesses. Rather than helping them out, they are crippling us with increasing costs," said Gareth Saunders, a chef at the K9 Plus 1 Cafe on Friars Road, Barry. "We have got to buy the furniture ourselves so why they are charging us to place it outside on the pavement... I don't know why they would think that is acceptable."
