This past year has been tough on many businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry.  

To support the hospitality sector to recover from Covid-19 restrictions, we are supporting businesses who wish to extend seating areas onto the public highway. 

In many cases, this includes pavement licences for tables and chairs on the footway. We are also working with businesses across Merton, supported by Government grants to introduce parklets in some locations to provide additional seating capacity. 

So far, the council have approved 41 new pavement licences for tables and chairs on the footway and supported a further 12 businesses across Merton with government grants to provide al-fresco dining facilities. 

These measures will not only give businesses a larger capacity to welcome in more customers but will also provide a safer space for Merton residents to dine outside where COVID-19 is less easily spread.