WALTHAM FOREST: 'Al fresco' eating to return

9:28am Tuesday 13th May 2008

Comments (7)   Have your say »

CAFES and restaurants can apply to have tables and chairs outdoors following a review of street licence conditions.

The news is timely as the recent hot weather reminds traders that many customers prefer to eat al fresco - especially since the smoking ban came into place last July.

Dorothy Clarke, 70, has been selling caribbean food at the Calypso cafe in Walthamstow High Street for 12 years, and welcomes the news because she believes her business has suffered since Waltham Forest Council banned tables and chairs in the High Street.

She said: "When they stopped us putting out tables and chairs it really brought the business down. People like to smoke and that drives them away further, but if they could eat outside they would stay. And they don't want to come in when it is hot.

"All the traders are struggling to pay the rates, so it is excellent news. I'm sure my business will prosper because it will bring crowds and when they are sitting eating it will attract more people to come in."

After the Princes Trust Town Centre Regeneration consultation in 2007, several cafes and restaurants applied to the local authority requesting a tables and chairs licence in High Street and Forest Road E17.

However, under existing conditions tables and chairs were banned, which the council decided did not, "reflect the current trading conditions", so they decided to revise the licence.

Market trader representatives were consulted with, and at a full council meeting on May 8, a majority of councillors voted in favour of the change.

Many High Street traders welcome the prospect of the modified licence but believe the High Street is too crowded on market days and they will not get permission for moveable furniture.

Manager of the First Stop Cafe Restaurant Aziz Sesen said: "When the market is on there is not enough space outside and the council don't give permission.

"If we had the space we would like to do it, if the council gives us permission."

The changes to the licence conditions will start on June 1.