Move to clear up confusion on food and drink licensing

The Food and Drink Guidance Note, designed to help those thinking of opening a cafe, restaurant, bar or takeaway in the city, has been welcomed by some of Sheffield’s best-known establishments including The Milestone, Platillos and Moo La La.

Simon Ogden, head of city development at Sheffield Council, said: “We know that people have been crying out for a simple route through the whole food and drink licensing process, which can be quite complex and confusing, especially where building alterations or outside seating are proposed.

“The council also has to take account of the views of neighbours.

“The Food and Drink Guidance Note is there to specifically help those in the industry through the process and will also be used by the council’s First Point for Business service, which offers support to new and existing businesses.”

Matt Bigland from award-wining gastropub The Milestone said: “In the past we’ve had to use our architects to help us navigate the licensing system, which has ended up costing us a fortune. Having everything together can save us time and money.

“This is a much-improved way of working.”

The guidance note contains information on when a planning application or licence is needed and the process to go through. It explains the policy background that will be taken into account when a decision is made and spells out the factors that will be considered when making that decision.