Street cafes welcomed
At the monthly meeting of Derry City Council’s Environmental Services (Licencing) Committee members welcomed a move to facilitate sitting out areas being created on footpaths and public places for cafe style dining.
It is to be put in place in time to enhance the UK City of Culture activities planned for 2013.
News of the move was contained in the Report of the Town Clerk and Chief Executive, Sharon O’Connor, who said: “Earlier in the summer a local architect inquired about the possibility of allowing a proposed cafe at the Richmond Centre to extend its seating to the footway. Members will be aware that legislation is currently being drafted to allow Council to license pavement cafe areas but it is not known how soon the legislation will be brought into effect.
“The Licensing Officer was aware that, in Belfast, a scheme has been operated by the City Centre Management whereby cafes and bars can take control of part of the footway from the Roads Service under a Memorandum of Understanding.
“A copy of the MOU used in Belfast was obtained from Belfast City Council and forwarded to the architect,” Ms O’Connor said, adding: “City Centre Initiative and the Roads Service have now put a similar arrangement in place in the City as a contingency in case the Pavement Cafe Licensing legislation is not in place for next year’s events. There are no implications for Council as the scheme will be run through CCI and applications will be assessed by CCI and Roads Service.”
The SDLP’s Sean Gallagher told fellow committee members that it was “great to see it”.
Congratulating the officers on bringing the initiative forward, the SDLP’s Sean Gallagher said that in light of the City of Culture year and the promotions planned in the city centre, the cafe seating areas would be a great asset, adding to the enjoyment of the city.
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Weather for Londonderry
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
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Temperature: 9 C to 13 C
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