Businesses in Macclesfield and across the country will celebrate tomorrow, when the need to apply a licence for outdoor seating will be announced.

Al fresco dining increased during the various stages of the pandemic, when restrictions were lifted but prevented seating indoors.

Macclesfield saw permission granted for extra seating outside Market Place, which have done wonders for local businesses such as R&G's Beer Vault and Five Clouds.

This specific licence was set to expire in September 2022.

But now, companies across Macclesfield won't need to apply to Cheshire East Council to allow seats outdoors.

There will be outdoor seating on Market Place all year round, as council red tape surrounding the practice is set to be tossed.

This is according to sources that the Queen will announce the scrapping of pavement licensing red tape at her speech on Tuesday.

The news is a huge win for our local economy, freeing up businesses to serve food outdoors all year round, increasing the amount of customers they can serve.

Outdoor seating also helps draw eyes to a business, potentially attracting more customers.

Furthermore, the 'cosmopolitan feel' of the outdoor seating outside Pizza Express on Market Place or Ethos on West Chestergate has been consistently praised by social media.

Outdoor seating outside Ethos Concept Store in Macclesfield.

The temporary powers becoming permanent will make life that little bit easier for business owners, who are still suffering from the impact of the pandemic.

Thanks to new legislation, these powers will become permanent, with the Levelling up and Regeneration Bill expected to be unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday.

Additionally, local leaders will gain powers to force landlords to rent out commercial properties, in a bid to save the nation's high streets, and prevent vacant buildings from being eyesores for too long.

New Compulsory Rental Auctions will also make landlords auction shops that have been empty for over 12 months.

Outdoor seating outside Proper Sound, on Chestergate.

Bring on the takeaway pints and outdoor meals Macclesfield!

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