Background and Policy Objectives
3.Pavement cafés are becoming increasingly commonplace in Northern Ireland but currently no legislation exists to regulate this activity. The Roads (NI) Order 1993 makes it unlawful to cause obstruction to a road. Legislation is already in place in other jurisdictions under which cafés owners etc may apply to their local councils for permission to place tables and chairs on the pavement outside their premises. The policy objective of this Act is to introduce a statutory licensing scheme for the regulation of pavement cafés by district councils. The scheme would facilitate the controlled expansion of suitable premises such as cafés, restaurants and pubs in support of the creation of a vibrant daytime and evening economy and for the general well-being of communities.