Local businesses in Somerset will face a significant rise in pavement licence renewal fees, a fee a business pays to allow tables and chairs to be placed outside their premises. The proposed increase would see fees rise from £142 to £340—a £194 jump, which could place additional financial pressure on already struggling hospitality venues.
Councillor Diogo Rodrigues has voiced his concerns over the proposed hike at a recent Somerset Council meeting, particularly in light of ongoing roadwork challenges faced by some local businesses in Bridgwater.
"I don’t know how cafes will cope, and I’ll give you one example that many will be familiar with—The Nutmeg Café in Bridgwater. They’re losing £500 a week in trade because of the ongoing roadworks outside their premises, and now this council will be asking them to pay £340 to keep their tables and chairs outside. I don’t think that’s the right thing to do."
Cllr Rodrigues also questioned the council’s priorities, "If you have a sex establishment, this council will now give you a discount to operate—you can renew your licence for a reduced rate of £102 a 35% reduction. How is it fair that a struggling café trying to bring life to our Town will be paying three times as much as a sex establishment?"
He has urged Somerset Council to reconsider the proposed increase and explore alternative ways to support local businesses that are facing financial hardship.
"I am genuinely concerned, particularly for Bridgwater businesses. There are businesses in the sector really struggling due to various impacts, and I worry about the message this sends. Nutmeg is just one example, but there are others. When they get this increased bill through their door, they will be asking themselves—‘Is Somerset Council on our side or not?’ That’s a genuine concern because I speak to these businesses, I’m in the sector myself, and I completely understand their challenges."
