There were more than 3,300 fast-track applications for outdoor seating in Britain during the pandemic as pubs and restaurants resorted to European-style al fresco dining.
Analysis by PWC found that the take-up of pavement licences had resulted in at least 17,045 extra customer seats, providing vital revenue for pubs, bars and restaurants at a time when socialising indoors was not permitted and customers felt more confident eating in the open air.
The fast-track pavement licences were introduced in July last year. Hairdressers and luxury retailers were also among those that applied.