IF the national roadmap out of lockdown goes to plan, Warrington’s hospitality food and drink premises are gearing up to reopen in a COVID-secure manner from April 12.
This means that in line with the expected national roadmap, hospitality venues are expected to be able to reopen from 12 April for outdoor, table service for groups of up to six from different households, or for groups of two households, subject to social distancing and COVID-secure rules. There will also no longer be a pre-requisite for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcoholic drinks.
The council provides a free service to support businesses that want to apply for a temporary pavement café licence, and existing temporary licences will be automatically extended for a further 12 months in line with planned changes to legislation. This will make it much easier for the town’s pubs, restaurants and cafes to make al fresco dining a reality, with venues providing outdoor seating, tables and street stalls to serve food and drink.
The council will therefore be working with businesses to help them to identify suitable outdoor space that they can operate from. Businesses will also be able to provide takeaways and deliveries if no suitable space is available.
Cllr Tom Jennings, Cabinet member for economic development and innovation, said: “If outdoor hospitality can reopen in line with the provisional roadmap date of 12 April, we have a brilliant opportunity for many of our businesses to welcome back customers.
“We have seen many of our businesses innovate and adapt during the pandemic, but one of the hardest-hit sectors has undoubtedly been hospitality, and I know many of our food and drink premises have been desperate for support over the course of the pandemic.
“I am hopeful that we can shortly welcome people back into our town and district centres and that people will be able to visit their favourite venues with confidence that they can do so safely. It is important that we all continue to act responsibly and keep following the ‘hands, face, space’ message, which is one of the most effective ways to support the safe reopening of our COVID-secure Hospitality and Catering Resume Examples.
“Coronavirus rates in Warrington have been on a steady decline over lockdown but have started to creep back up. It is essential that for the safe reopening of our businesses in Warrington, if anyone has any coronavirus symptoms, however mild, they must self-isolate and book a test immediately.
“As a council, we are determined to support the town’s economic recovery, protect local residents and work with our businesses and partners to help them to safely reopen”.
For more information visit the gov.uk website or to apply for a temporary pavement licence, visit warrington.gov.uk/temporary-pavement-cafe-licence
