Kensington and Chelsea councillor Johnny Thalassites, who goes by the snappy title of Lead Member For Environment, Planning and Place greeted his decision, saying “Kensington and Chelsea is home to some of the best places to shop, eat and drink not just in London but around the world.
“We want to give our businesses the very best chance of recovery when lockdown lifts. Closing roads and getting outdoor licences to business owners as quickly as possible are just some of the practical ways to help our borough get back to the bustling, vibrant destination we have all been missing so much during the coronavirus pandemic.”
So far, just under a month from reopening, the council has granted over 200 pavement licenses to businesses looking to go alfresco. And, as in the West End, anyone who applied last summer will automatically be granted a license to cover the next stage of reopening.