Douglas Council has temporarily relaxed its pavement café guidelines as Covid-19 restrictions are eased in a bid to support the re-emergence of the capital’s hospitality sector.

The council has worked with the departments for Enterprise, Home Affairs and Infrastructure to draw up a temporary set of guidelines permitting food and drink outlets to use extra space outside or close to their premises.

Application fees for premises amending or extending an existing pavement café have been waived.

Pavement cafés that are not visible from the premises are permitted on condition that they are suitably managed and maintained in a clean and tidy condition with tables cleared as they become vacant.

Furniture not specifically designed for pavement cafés can be used as long as it is safe and suitable for temporary use. And pavement cafe areas can be surrounded by weighted barrier bases.

The aim was to support businesses while ensuring the safety of all pedestrians.

For more details email Douglas Town Centre Management at [email protected]

Requests to place pavement cafés on pavements must be referred to the DoI.