As many of you will know from our social media today, last week our pavement license at our restaurant The Lounge by Graze Life based in Berkhamsted was revoked.
I had a license in place, and paid for a renewal just to receive a phone call from the council within a matter of days of submitting this, to say based on objections from 3 people (2 members of the public and 1 council member) I will no longer have a pavement license.

The reasoning being ‘noise pollution and space.’ From where our planters end to the edge of the road there is over 4.5 meters remaining.. i’m not sure how many prams for wheelchairs they are hoping to get through this space at one time, but I’m pretty sure 4.5 meters should be enough space?

And with regards to the ‘noise pollution’ I am 1. Everything I have done to date has been within my license. 2. I am doing everything I can to keep my business afloat during a pandemic and cost of living crisis 3. I seem to have a customer that enjoys the entertainment we provided, so surly the council should want thriving business on their high st? And 4. if people sitting outside enjoying themselves is pollution, then maybe someone should go and speak to the Crown across the road that has fights outside every weekend, as apparently this is acceptable? 
If someone had contacted me before making this decision about my business and my lively hood behind my back I would’ve been happy to compromise on the timings of bringing my tables and chairs in, and amended my application. It’s most important to me to have them out there for the day time and early evening so my customers can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. 

The point in this petition, is to get our pavement license reinstated in order to help me continue the growth of my business, regain 12 extra seats, and provide my customers with the outdoor seating that one they enjoy, and two are entitled to if they are not comfortable sitting inside considering the pandemic we have just been through. Surely revoking a pavement license and not giving people the opportunity to have somewhere to sit outside is against our human rights?

I am overwhelmed with the support you have given me. And I am beyond grateful. Thank you so much in advance to everyone that signed this. Please keep sharing and let’s not let them win!!!!!!