Chipping Norton 'pavement licences' should be smoke free, say councillors

Businesses applying for pavement licences in Chipping Norton and across west Oxfordshire are being encouraged to make them smoke-free zones.
Cllr Norman McRae, left, is encouraging cafes and other businesses applying for pavement licences to offer smoke free zonesCllr Norman McRae, left, is encouraging cafes and other businesses applying for pavement licences to offer smoke free zones
Cllr Norman McRae, left, is encouraging cafes and other businesses applying for pavement licences to offer smoke free zones

West Oxfordshire District Council is working with cafe and tea shop owners to incorporate a voluntary no smoking policy on their outside tables and chairs when the free licence is granted.

West Oxfordshire is believed to be the first council in the county to introduce the initiative following the introduction of the Business and Planning Act - which became law last month - and streamlined the application process for licences to place tables and chairs outside pubs and cafes.

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Cllr Norman MacRae, cabinet member for licensing, said: “The new Act is really helping hospitality businesses recover from the effects of Covid-19 and allow customers the option of sitting outside in the fresh air.

“It makes sense that this seating is no smoking, as it would be inside, for everyone’s comfort and good health.”

The move is being supported by Oxfordshire County Council which, through its Smoke free Oxfordshire 2025 campaign, has set out to reduce the overall prevalence of smoking in the county to below five per cent by 2025. The aim is to inspire the first smoke-free generation in Oxfordshire.

Ansaf Azhar, Director of Public Health at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We fully support West Oxfordshire’s commitment to creating smoke-free environments and removing the risk of second-hand smoke for people wishing to enjoy outdoor spaces.”

Businesses can apply for a pavement licence at www.westoxon.gov.uk/pavementlicence