Council Encourages Al Fresco Services For Hospitality Sector

Pavement cafes promoted by Newry Mourne and Down District Council.

Pavement cafes promoted by Newry Mourne and Down District Council.

A number of cafes across Down may opt to serve their customers at open air seating.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council are actively encouraging businesses within the hospitality sector to approach the council in order for the council to support the re-opening of the hospitality sector.

The licence from the Council would provide many cafes and pubs across the council to reopen their doors. The licence can be requested by businesses who want to reopen outdoor spaces, which meet the legal requirements for socially distancing of customers and staff.

Businesses can avail of the Licencing of Pavement cafes Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 by going on to the council website to fill in an application, which should be sent to one of the Council Offices in the Newry, Mourne and Down district.

There are many cafes, pubs and restaurants across the district which rely on weekend trade from locals and visitors and this new step to reopening the economy in Newry Mourne and Down is a positive step for struggling businesses.

Local cafes need to make the most of the good summer weather as they do on the continent and encourage their customers to enjoy the services al fresco.