CAFE a fresco is up in the air as a popular new venue was ordered to remove its external tables and chairs by a local authority.
Bes 77 coffee lounge on Lansdowne Road, Shelthorpe in Loughborough was spotted by officers from Charnwood Borough Council hosting customers on its front, road – facing terrace without a pavement license.
The landlord Fatjola Ponari said he was told he must remove the furniture and apply for official permission if he wants to serve food and drink to customers seated outside in an area similar to a courtyard.
“I’ve had to take all the tables and chairs away,” Fatjola said adding he has now sent in the application.
The recently – opened outlet has become a busy meet – up spot serving coffee as well as smoothies, milk shakes and snacks and the outdoor tables proved popular.
Previously a long – standing, second – hand furniture shop and already part – laid with decking in anticipation of the summer months, the terrace now lies empty except for one table next to the door for smokers.
It’s the second attempt in a decade to open an independent coffee bar on the strip of shops after the last one failed.
The council website states it can only consider applications for an area that is part of the maintained highway within Charnwood borough, approval isn’t automatic and no furniture can be placed on the highway until a license has been issued.
The levelling up and regeneration act 2023 stipulates from March 31st ‘24 the process from submission to decision be within 28 days and grants councils’ new enforcement powers.
“It’s the people with dogs and in wheelchairs I feel sorry for,” said barista Cherie.
“But fingers crossed permission will be given and we can get back to serving the customers.”
ENDS (297)
Charnwood News 
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