AQW 15732/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 03/03/2021
Answered On Date: 09/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) the council areas that demand planning permission to be obtained before issuing café pavement licences; and (ii) her assessment of the effects of any disparity in requirements on businesses within different council areas, in particular with reference to additional costs incurred by businesses required to obtain planning permission, including architect and council fees.

Answer:

My Department does not hold this information.

It is the responsibility of each district council, under the Licensing of Pavement Cafés Act (NI) 2014 (the Act), to design a pavement café licensing regime appropriate to their area. The Act contains a significant degree of flexibility for councils to respond to local circumstances.