Pubs offered lifeline amid late night outdoor seating row

Independent pubs and bars in the Old City have been thrown a lifeline in an ongoing saga related to late night outdoor seating provision.

Mayor Marvin Rees has now offered a compromise for landlords and bar managers whereby they can apply to extend the opening hours of their temporary outdoor seating spaces.

The change of heart comes after Bristol City Council began enforcing outdoor seating licences back in April due to complaints.

Council officers told venues around St Nicholas Street they must move on all seated customers and clear outdoor seating from the street by 11pm.

The enforcement lead to public outcry and ‘Save Our Seats’ petitions were launched online, calling on the council to extend pavement licenses and gathering thousands of signatures.

? #Bristol‘s Night Time Economy is a key part of our city

☕ Outdoor hospitality brought more colour to our streets, so it was disappointing that the government withdrew temporary rules

? We’ll work with @Carlybag and traders to look at the options: https://t.co/sbM2AyLMt9

— Marvin Rees (@MarvinJRees) May 25, 2023

Now, pubs and bars which have regular licences that go beyond 11pm to midnight or beyond can ask the council to extend their pavement licences too.

Rees, who explored options with night time economy advisor Carly Heath, said he was “encouraged that a positive conclusion can be found”.

In a letter send to businesses and those who represent that bar and pub trade Bristol, he said: “Bristol’s nighttime economy represents a third of the city’s workforce and is a key priority for my administration.

“I’m proud to support amazing local businesses who have added further vibrancy to our city’s streets with an enhanced outdoor hospitality offer, it has been a really welcome addition.

“It’s disappointing that, after the pandemic, national government decided not extend the legislation that had provided greater flexibility in this area. This has resulted in the position we now find ourselves in, with some outdoor licences returning to the previous position of 11pm.

“There are clear benefits to extending them beyond that time where it is appropriate to do so and, of course, striking a balance with local residents.”

Griffiths said he felt positive about the council’s decision

When the licence crackdown began, Marc Griffiths, owner of the Mothers’ Ruin and the Crown, told Bristol24/7 that “it really puts a big strain on our business’ ability to continue to trade”.

Reacting to the latest news, Griffiths told Bristol24/7: “I’m positive about the fact that the council have listened to what we were saying and appreciated there was a problem that needed to be solved and come up with a solution that they feel will satisfy all parties.”

“We still haven’t been granted a pavement pisces until 2am but at least there is a mechanism now in place for this to happens.

He added: “We have had so much support from organisations such as BARBI (the British Association of Restaurants, Bars & Independents), Night Watch and the general public.

“It’s them that forced the council to do something. Without them expressing that this was their will, I don’t think the council would have even put it on their agenda.”

All photos: Betty Woolerton

Read next:

• Feats raised as council enforced pub’s outdoor seating curfews
• Support floods in to keep Greenbank cafe’s outdoor seating
• Venue of the month: The Mothers’ Ruin

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