Businesses urged to get ready for reopening

Trafford Council is urging local businesses to prepare for reopening next month.

As part of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, some businesses and venues are due to reopen on 12 April at the earliest.

The Council is encouraging businesses to get prepared by ensuring they are properly licensed and have Covid-secure measures in place.

Under the government plans hospitality venues will be able to serve food and drink outdoors. If businesses want to place tables or chairs on a public space, including a pavement, they need to apply for a pavement licence. It is free and easy to do via the Council website.

Councillor Mike Freeman, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Covid Recovery and Reform, said:

“We are really looking forward to the reopening of many of our borough’s businesses and want to support them to reopen safely and successfully in every way we can.
I am sure our residents will be keen to shop locally to support our businesses, after what has been a very tough year for most. Let’s get back to business safely.”

Unlike in previous restrictions, there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks. Venues must provide table services to ensure customers order, eat and drink while seated. Rules on social distancing and mask wearing remain in place.

Non-essential retail, personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons, public buildings and indoor leisure facilities could also be able to reopen under the government’s plan. It would also allow self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, to reopen.

Wider social contact rules will apply in all settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households. From 29 March, people can mix outdoors either with one other household, or with five other individuals from different households.

A survey has been sent to all licensed premises so the Council can understand plans to reopen and can provide appropriate support.
There is also additional support for non-essential retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Eligible businesses can now apply to Trafford Council for a one-off Restart Grant of up to £18,000.

For more information on reopening safely, grants and to apply for a pavement licence visit the council’s website.

If you would like some support with reopening your business please get in touch, email environmental.health@trafford.gov.uk.

An announcement will be made by central government on 5 April to confirm or delay the reopening date of 12 April.

Posted on Friday 26th March 2021