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Outdoor seating.Google Images
A FIANNA Fáil councillor has asked that the gardaí and Council take a more balanced approach to the 10pm time limit for pubs and restaurants to bring their street furniture in off the footpaths or public spaces.
At the meeting of Tralee Municipal District on Monday, Cllr Mikey Sheehy called on Tralee MD to support these businesses by reviewing the times that outdoor furniture and seating is required to be removed.
Cllr Sheehy said almost all pubs and restaurants in town are family-owned and they recognise their responsibility to adhere public health guidelines and social distancing.
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The Council in reply said there is a licensing system for the placement of all street furniture on streets, which can be applied for by businesses. The time street furniture can be placed on the street is determined by Kerry County Council as part of the application process.
In general, the placing of street furniture after 10pm in any given day may only be permitted following consultation with An Garda Síochána and the Planning Authority may impose a specific condition having regard to the advice of An Garda Síochána.
Tralee Municipal District Officer Jean Foley said they have engaged with the gardaí on this, who are of the opinion that, in areas where there is vehicular access/traffic, this would not be suitable after 10pm.
However, she said decisions could be made on a case by case basis and for businesses in areas that are fully pedestrianised it could be looked at extending it past 10pm.
Cllr Sheehy said it seemed unfair that some businesses would be treated differently based on their location and hoped this would be noted when considering applications for the licenses.
