ST HELENS Borough Council has defended its actions after an Earlestown café blamed it for contributing to its downfall.
Poco Coffee, based in Market Street, announced on Thursday that it had taken the decision “with a heavy heart” to shut up shop.
A post published on its Facebook page said it will close on Saturday, October 10 at 4pm.
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The post said the “harsh economic reality” of the coronavirus pandemic and the extra restrictions has impacted sales and forced the business to close.
The café’s owners also hit out at the council, claiming it had threatened court proceedings for failing to pay £100 for a pavement licence.
The Facebook post said: “We had two tables and eight chairs out at a time when businesses like ours were being encouraged to have outdoor facilities ‘where possible’, and St Helens Council decided it was an opportunity to force local cafés (many of whom were already badly affected by the pandemic) to apply and pay for pavement licences.
“This, we have to say was one of the contributing factors to our decision in the end.
“St Helens council would do well to look at neighbouring Knowsley where there has been a concerted effort to help high street businesses and whom have entered partnerships with businesses to erect marquees and other covered areas to help in this crisis.”
A spokesman for the council said it has contacted a number of businesses, including Poco, to remind them that they require a pavement licence by law.
In July, the Government introduced legislation to allow local authorities to “fast-track” licensing applications to allow businesses to place tables and chairs outside their premises.
Prior to this, businesses had to seek planning permission, which took far longer and was much costlier.
The aim of the fast-track system was to enable pubs, cafés and restaurants to operate safely while social distancing measures remain in place and to protect as many jobs as possible.
Fees are set locally, but are capped at a maximum of £100.
Applications have a consultation period of five working days, excluding public holidays, starting the day after the application.
If the local authority does not determine the application before the end of the determination period, the licence is deemed to have been granted for a year, but not beyond September 30, 2021.
A spokesman for St Helens Borough Council said it contacted more than 40 premises to notify them of the Government requirement for a new pavement licence, and invited them to apply.
“Since then we’ve helped 16 businesses get the necessary licence and trade successfully, with more currently being supported through the process,” the spokesman said.
“We are unable to comment in detail about this specific case, however we can confirm that numerous attempts to contact the business and offer support have been made before the letter that they mention was sent.
“No further enforcement action has been taken to date in this regard.
“The cost of a pavement licence is set by Government and is £100 for 18 months. The council offers a payment plan of just £10 per month to businesses to assist with payment, and this offer was made to this business.
“We fully acknowledge that businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and especially those in the hospitality sector.
“We will help any business who may be struggling to pay for a pavement café licence, and we will continue to offer guidance and support to all our local businesses who may need help during this difficult time.”
Following the announcement of its closure, Poco was inundated with comments from customers.
Many of the comments were also scathing of the local authority, with a number of posters branding the council a “disgrace”.
The backlash prompted a lengthy rebuttal in a separate Facebook post from Newton councillor and deputy council leader Seve Gomez-Aspron.
Cllr Gomez-Aspron said the news is a “tragic shame”, but added that it was “harsh” that the council was being criticised for enforcing the law.
He said: “Those companies that need a licence, but haven’t got one, have been contacted numerous times by the council to try and help them with it.
“The council has introduced payment plans of £10 a month to assist businesses in covering the admin fee.
“Those businesses that still didn’t reply, were then sent a letter to say that if you don’t get a licence, there’s a risk of prosecution for being caught without one.
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“This isn’t to start court proceedings. But to make businesses aware of what still are their legal obligations.
“I can’t imagine how hard it is for businesses at present. And the Government uncertainty makes that worse.
“And we’ve asked the council to see what can be reviewed. But if something is the law, it can’t be ignored. Because ultimately it’s there for wider public safety.”
