Scotland - New measures to boost hospitality and town centre recovery - Tables & Chairs

The Scottish Government laid draft Regulations before the Scottish Parliament on Friday (10^th February) which should lead to hospitality businesses being able to place tables and chairs on the pavement outside their premises without submitting a planning application.  These new measures are expected to come into force at the end of next month (31^st March). Premises intending to allow their customers to consume alcohol in external areas will still be required to ensure they have the correct authorisation for any ‘external drinking area’ through their premises licence granted by their Local Licensing Board. 

The decision followed strong support for the proposals expressed during a recent 12-week consultation for the extension of permitted development rights to enable more cafés, bars and restaurants to offer outdoor eating and drinking.

Councils will, however, retain powers to prevent and deal with obstructions that make it difficult for people to access pavements safely and effectively, for example, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments, or families with children in pushchairs.

Planning Minister Tom Arthur said:

“More flexible use of outdoor space can help the hospitality industry recover from the pandemic and cost crisis, while making city and town centres more attractive and welcoming. The important safeguards for councils seek to ensure that no one should be prevented from using pavements and visiting town and city centres safely. A more streamlined approach to changes of use can help businesses respond more rapidly to shifting circumstances, support reuse of vacant premises and encourage the return of workers and shoppers to our town and city centres.”