Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) say they won’t currently be issuing licences for the uses of the Stray by pubs.
A council spokesman said:
As custodians of the Stray, we encourage all visitors to use it responsibly and enjoy the wonderful public space it provides.
However, after feedback from land owners – the Duchy of Lancaster – it has been decided that it wouldn’t be appropriate at this stage to grant licences to a select number of individual businesses that could potentially inhibit the open access and enjoyment for all.
For street drinking pubs are working to the following guidelines:
- Counters or stalls for selling or serving food or drink;
- Tables, counters or shelves on which food or drink can be placed;
- Chairs, benches or other forms of seating; and
- Umbrellas, barriers, heaters and other articles used in connection with the outdoor consumption of food or drink.
This furniture is required to be removable. Local authorities should be pragmatic when determining what is ‘removable’ but in principle this means it is not a permanent fixed structure, and is able to be moved easily, and stored away of an evening.
