Council to consider Temporary Trading Licences
The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Cabinet is set to consider a proposal which could lead to consultation on the future of Temporary Trading Licenses at Penarth Esplanade.
Temporary licences allow hospitality businesses to trade on the public highway and were issued during the pandemic to help with the impact of operating restrictions.
Most Temporary Trading Licences have been granted for space on pavements, while they were also issued for a trial of Parklets, customer areas within parking bays, at certain locations in Penarth.
Previously, the Council promised to review its position regarding this matter after the Local Elections, which took place last month.
The report going before Cabinet next week will be published on the Council’s website later today (Friday 17 June).
It contains plans for public consultation and engagement on the future of Penarth Esplanade, with a particular focus on whether there should be a continuation of external licensed areas. Associated traffic management and public realm implications will also be included.
The Temporary Trading Licences in existence at the esplanade had been due to expire at the end of the month as had similar arrangements for businesses at Barry Island.
Should proposals be approved on Thursday, these licences would be extended on a month-by-month basis while views on the management of the esplanade are sought.
Cllr Mark Wilson, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said: “There has been significant improvement in the public realm in and around the esplanade, with the Council investing heavily in the Pier Pavilion. We have also carried out a widescale painting programme of the pier and esplanade alongside improvements to pavements and the road surface.
“There is significant public interest in this issue and differing opinions on whether external dining and licensed areas are a positive or negative feature at this location.
“If proposals are approved, the Council will launch a comprehensive public engagement exercise to establish the views of all interested parties regarding future trading arrangements.
“Those opinions would then be compiled and properly analysed before a decision on the best way forward is taken.”