Council vows to 'remove tables and chairs' from unlicensed outdoor traders

The council in Athlone has warned that pubs and restaurants which are not complying with its licensing regime will have their outdoor tables and chairs removed over the coming fortnight.

The issue of outdoor premises that are unlicensed, or not complying with the terms of their licence, was raised during the monthly meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District yesterday (Monday).

Cllr Aengus O'Rourke asked if there was currently full compliance with the regulations among those operating outdoor businesses in the district.

"I doubt that," was the reply from Director of Services, Barry Kehoe, who indicated that the council had been in contact with the businesses which were not in compliance.

"We will be taking decisive action against those who are not in compliance within the next two weeks or so, including the removal of tables and chairs," he said.

Cllr O'Rourke asked if this would be communicated to the businesses in advance of any such removal of furniture.

"They have been informed that this is coming," responded Mr Kehoe.

The discussion occurred after Cllr O'Rourke had asked whether bars and restaurants with "a solid, 'built-in' roadside outdoor structure in place for outdoor dining" would be leaving them in place for the foreseeable future, and whether their current permission would allow for that.

The reply he received from council management was that the outdoor licences which were granted were "in respect of 2021 only" and would be "subject to review, and a further approval process, for 2022."

At a meeting in early July it was stated that the Athlone Moate district had issued four 'Section 254' licences, which allow hospitality businesses to extend their area of operation onto the likes of footpaths or parking spaces. Another another three licences were in the process of being issued at that stage.