THREE Barrow businesses are applying for pavement licences which would allow them to put moveable furniture on the street. 

Townhouse Bar, the Furness Railway and Diggle's, on Dalton Road, are in the consultation period to apply or re-apply for their pavement licences, which is due to end on August 15. 

Al-fresco eating and drinking has become increasingly popular in the UK since the Business and Planning Act 2020, which was initially introduced as a means for businesses to run while adhering to Covid social distancing guidelines.

But even though social distancing measures have been lifted for around a year, businesses in Barrow are still interested in applying for pavement licences or re-applying to maintain their licence from Westmorland and Furness Council.

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Townhouse Bar said on its application that it wished to put out small wooden tables, accompanying wooden chairs, and signage to distinguish the border on Dalton Road. The licence would last until 11pm each evening, apart from Sunday when it ends at 9pm. This does not mean that the business would allow customers out that late.

The Wetherspoons-owned Furness Railway applied for 29 mill top flip tables and 116 tempered resin galaxy chairs to be put on pavements to the front and side of the premises. The Furness Railway is applying for a licence that would last until 11pm each evening. 

Diggle's wants to put tables into an area extending 3.6 metres from 181 to 185 Dalton Road. The licence application Diggles is putting in would allow al-fresco eating and drinking until 6pm each evening. 

Paul Hodgson, from Barrow Business Improvement District (BID), said that the pergolas installed by the BID and the council on Dalton Road as part of the Welcome Back Fund last year had proven that outdoor eating and drinking in Barrow can be successful, particularly during spells of fine weather such as in June. 

He said: "I am aware there's an increase in businesses applying for pavement licences to allow people to sit and drink outside. The feedback has been that we have had a really positive start to the summer."