The Public Highways (Temporary Closure) (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 ('Amendment Ordinance') has been introduced to facilitate a simpler, faster, and less expensive applications process for the operation of al fresco dining on the public highway by eateries and establishments.
Under the Amendment Ordinance, any application for the operation of al fresco in areas within designated al fresco zone areas may apply to the Traffic & Highway Services department (acting on behalf of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure) for an al fresco Permit, rather than apply to the Royal Court for an al fresco Licence. Al Fresco zone maps are available in the downloads section of this page.
The Amendment Ordinance includes:
- The addition of al fresco Permits alongside al fresco Licences
- The amendment of the al fresco Licence expiration date from the 31st December to the 30th September and the validity of al fresco Permits to be from 1st January to 30th September inclusive in respect to the year 2023, and from the 1st October to 30th September inclusive thereafter
- The ability for the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure to:
- Designate by Order areas as 'al fresco zones' following a period of public consultation and consideration of any representations made during this consultation period
- Prescribe Conditions to any Permits issued in respect to locations situated within a designated zone
- Issue or refuse al fresco Permit applications
- Request further information from the applicant, over and above that specified within the Amendment Ordinance
- Vary the Conditions against which an applicant is granted a Permit, either at the time of issue of the permit or during its period of validity
Any al fresco permits issued will be subject to the proposed General Conditions. These Conditions are to ensure that al fresco is operated safely, legally and not to the detriment of the general public. Please note, under the Public Highways Temporary Closure (Amendment) Ordinance 2022, the Traffic & Highways Services department, acting on behalf of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, have the powers to add additional conditions to individual permits and / or to amend these.
Apply for an Al Fresco Permit
- Before applying, please check that the site you wish to operate al fresco from is located within the designation Al Fresco Zones. Al Fresco Zone are available in the downloads section of this page.
- Al Fresco Permits are issued for a period of up to 12 months ending on the 30th September each year.
Download the Al Fresco Permit application form here. [183kb]
Al Fresco Zones
- Al Fresco Zones have been designated by Order No. 83 - The Public Highways (Designation of Al Fresco Zones and General Conditions) Order, 2022 signed (guernseylegalresources.gg) of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, following a period of public consultation and may be reviewed over time, following a further period of public consultation.
- While an area may be designated as an al fresco zone, it may not be available at the time of application or thereafter. For example, current working car parks are not available currently for the operation of semi-permanent al fresco.
- Please contact traffic@gov.gg should you have suggestions for further locations to be added as designated al fresco zones.
- Note: Any al fresco applications for locations not within the designated al fresco zones must be applied for via the Royal Court for an al fresco licence. You may wish to engage the services of an advocate for that process.
Al Fresco Permit Application Fees and Service Charges
- Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of £176 is chargeable for the processing of Al Fresco Permit applications, to be paid by the applicant on receipt of an invoice.
- Annual Service Charge: Should a Permit be issued, the applicant is liable to pay a service charge to the States Property Unit, in addition to the application fee described above.
- The level of service charge is based on the square footage of the area to be used for al fresco, together with the footfall of the area. This will be invoiced to the applicant on approval of their application.
- Annual service charges are as follows:
- High footfall area: £5 per square foot, per annum
- Medium/low footfall area: £3.50 per square foot, per annum
Al Fresco Permit Renewals
- Al Fresco Permits are issued for a period of 12 months ending on the 30th September each year. After this date, applicants must apply to renew their Permit. A non-refundable application fee of £176 applies.
Further Information
- For further information please email Traffic and Highway Services at traffic@gov.gg
