Applications for al fresco dining on Guernsey’s public highways can now be made following the introduction of al fresco permits, making it simpler, faster and less expensive to apply for al fresco dining.
Before the introduction of al fresco permits, eateries and establishments could only apply to the Royal Court for an al fresco licence. However, with the introduction of al fresco permits, applications can be made to Traffic & Highway Services if the application is to operate al fresco dining within a designated al fresco zone.
While an area may be designated as an al fresco zone, it may not be available at the time of application or thereafter. For example, current working car parks are not available currently for the operation of semi-permanent al fresco. Any al fresco applications for locations not within the designated al fresco zones must be applied for via the Royal Court for an al fresco licence.
Click here for more information, maps of the al fresco zones and how to apply. Members of the public can contact traffic@gov.gg if they would like to suggest further locations to be designated as al fresco zones.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said: “Introducing al fresco permits will make it easier, quicker and cheaper for restaurants and other eateries to apply for al fresco dining. Al fresco dining is a great way to make the most of these spaces, whilst also giving businesses the opportunity to maximise the space available to them.”
Applicants will be required to pay a fee of £176 for the processing of the applications as well as an annual service charge of £5 per ft2 per annum for high footfall areas or £3.50 per ft2 per annum for medium or low footfall areas. The annual service charge will go to the States Property Unit.
In the public consultation that recently took place, some of the feedback was supportive of businesses paying an annual service fee in return for being able to benefit from the use of public land. This ensures that any maintenance required due to wear and tear is funded, at least in part, by those businesses benefitting from it.
Al fresco permits were introduced through the Public Highways (Temporary Closure) (Amendment) Ordinance 2022. Following this, a public consultation took place on the location of the zones and the conditions of the permits.
