Do pavement cafes mean more ASBOs in Weymouth?

Weymouth council wants to better manage pavement cafes and sitting out areas to minimise problems like anti-social behaviour.

People who live and run businesses in Weymouth have got one month to tell Weymouth and Portland Borough Council what they think about new ideas on how to crack down on rowdy behaviour that the council thinks might worry residents or put off tourists.

The new draft policy is available online at www.dorsetforyou.com/streetcafes/weymouthandportland

The changes will also make the application process clearer for businesses who want licences to serve food and drink early in the morning and late at night. Councillor Geoff Petherick, borough council Community Safety Brief holder, said: "Pavement cafes are important to businesses and add to the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

 "We have drawn-up plans to improve the way they are managed. We would now like to hear what residents and businesses think of the plans. All comments will be considered.

 "We hope that by working together and listening to the local community we will be able to improve the way street cafes are run so people can enjoy themselves and businesses can make money, but disruption is kept to a minimum." The public consultation ends on Sunday 20 November.

Feedback from the consultation will be considered by the council's Policy Development Committee at a meeting on 12 December 2011. Recommendations made at that meeting could become council policy in January 2012.  

 All comments will be considered, but unfortunately the council cannot respond individually. Comments should be made in writing to Sue Moore, Head of Business Licensing, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, North Quay, Weymouth, Dorset, DT 4 8TA or email licensing@weymouth.gov.uk