UPDATED EVERY
FRIDAY
Last Update:
Friday 16th September, 2005
 
PUBLICATION
NEWS
  
ISLINGTON
WEST END EXTRA
 
SECTIONS
MUSIC
THEATRE
RESTAURANTS
HEALTH
 
NAVIGATION


With Google
 
 
 
AL FRESCO CAFES FACE ‘CHAIR TAX’

Charges for open air tables ‘could kill cafe culture’
CONTINENTAL style al fresco dining in Islington is under threat from a plan to charge £40 a year for every chair placed on the pavement.
Small café owners fear the proposals could signal the death knell of the borough’s open air café culture, with only big business being able to afford the new rates.
The charges are being introduced as part of a new licensing scheme with the aim of removing obstacles and “making the pavements more people friendly”.
The Islington Tribune spoke to café owners from across the borough, from Archway to Exmouth Market, and all were agreed the proposals would cripple business.
George Vacca, 40, owner of the Rite Bite, in Upper Street, said he would “start a revolution” if the plans go ahead. He said: “We are going to object to it completely.” His wife Sandra said: “It’s like charging £40 for a cappuccino.”
One diner in the bistro and cafe questioned whether the council would have a team of chair inspectors to enforce the new legislation. He said: “That’ll be another few hundred thousand pounds down the drain.”
Full Story...
OTHER HEADLINES
Goths get to stay up late
The lord is not for getting smashed
Number of top wage earners at town hall rockets, accounts show
Nights of fear for driver in hunt for parking spot
Chef paid with life for aiding pal
From basking on beach to scrubbing ward floors
Filmmaker takes on academy opponents
Parking top of table for complaints
Town Hall admits land sale ‘cock-up’ at estate
 

 
   
   
 
All content © New Journal Enterprises, 2005