It is now easier than ever for Macclesfield businesses to apply for seats outside their premises.

Macc restaurants and cafés can now apply for more outdoor seating for the next 16 months - at no cost to the owner.

This means our high street will be able to serve more customers outdoors, in a time when they need a high throughput of customers to support their post-lockdown recovery.

The extension of a pre-existing temporary pavement licence application process brought upon due to the pandemic, means that our high street will expect to see lots of customers sitting outside of our shops until late next year.

"We've amended our temporary pavement licence, making it free for businesses to apply," said Cheshire East Council.

"The licences are valid until September 2022 and grant permission to set up temporary outside seating to allow for social distancing measures.

Also known as a temporary alfresco licence, it is hoped making the licence free will boost our the recovery of our high street.

Macclesfield businesses now have another 70 weeks until tables and chairs will not be permitted outside their storefront.

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It takes just ten days for an application to be processed, so Macc businesses can have more seats outside in time for this summer.

For the conditions required to apply, and how to request a licence, please head to the Cheshire East Council website.

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