GEORGE NEWS - Restaurants, bars, and cafés are invited to gear up for a summer of al fresco dining. George Municipality is offering free ‘pavement permits’ to hospitality businesses, providing restaurants with additional floor space to place their tables.

Businesses can apply free of charge for a licence to seat customers outside until 16 January 2026. 

The municipality aims to boost the hospitality industry by taking advantage of the warmer weather and supporting business recovery by creating a festive atmosphere in the city while offering greater patron capacities.

“We hope to see hospitality businesses take us up on this offer to create a vibrant summer atmosphere through December and January. It’s an opportunity to develop fun, innovative outdoor spaces to maximise peak influxes,” says Mahlatse Phosa, Director of Planning and Development.

The available space on the pavement and other factors are considered when deciding applications. Establishments must adhere to all trading and land use approvals.

For enquiries, please contact Luvo Bomvana, Manager: Economic Development via email: Lbomvana@george.gov.za

Find the application form here.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’