Botham's of Whitby apply for pavement licence to serve food and drinks outdoors

Botham’s of Whitby an institution in the town for more than a century, has made the request to Scarborough Borough Council for a pavement licence for its Baxtergate eatery.

The submission states: “The application is for outdoor seating to the front of the premises for serving of food and drink, Monday to Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm.”

Pavement licences were made easier to get by government legislation brought in last year, designed to promote economic recovery and growth in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Planning permission is temporarily waived for pavement licences and the process is sped up to limit the waiting times for those applying.

The aim of the legislation is to help protect hospitality businesses and give them the opportunity to maximise their income potential whilst social distancing measures remain in place.

As part of the decision-making process, Scarborough Council consults with its own environmental health team, the highways authority, North Yorkshire Police and the public.

Elizabeth Botham set up her bakery in the ancient fishing port of Whitby over 150 years ago.

It now has three locations in the town with bakeries in Skinner Street and Enterprise Way alongside the Baxtergate unit.

The Botham’s application is out to consultation until Tuesday April 20.