During lockdown, when restrictions meant sitting inside bars and eateries was banned, the al-fresco culture boomed across Manchester. It saw councils given the chance to essentially 'fast track' road closures, meaning they were able to swiftly pedestrianise roads outside so they could stay open and seat customers on the street.
However, last year, these were revoked again, meaning venues were forced to apply for Traffic Protection Orders (TPOs) a process that comes at a cost and can take 18 months or more to be approved. Today, (May 10), pubs and restaurants were given the green light to make outdoor eating and drinking a permanent fixture.
But, the announcement made in the Queen's Speech only lets councils grant 'pavement licenses' on a permanent basis. For many, seating customers on the pavements outside was something they had introduced long before the global virus emerged.
