Alfresco April

Crash tested barriers for outdoor seating

Congratulations to the many pubs, restaurants and cafes that have reopened for outdoor dining and drinking. 

Once again, we’re all adapting to a new normal – one where we eat, drink and socialise outside. 

But it’s not just the tables and chairs that make this new arrangement possible. 

As hospitality businesses know, public safety is vital, but not just in Covid terms. 

Many local authorities across the UK state that barriers must be installed around outdoor seating areas for a number of reasons. 

Here are just some of the rules around the use of barriers:

• Ensure a minimum width of 1.8 metres is left between the seating area and the kerb, keeping furniture and customers at a safe distance from the road
• Ensure that barriers clearly guide people safely around the seating area
• Ensure that barriers provide adequate highway space for both pedestrians and vehicles
• Ensure that the layout of the barriers and the furniture provide adequate provision has for customers with disabilities
• Ensure that social distancing rules are factored in when creating the outdoor seating area
• Ensure that robust barriers are used that are of the correct size, height, material and colour
• Ensure that barriers are only in place during the agreed allocated time frame

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for Hardstaff’ Barriers’ range of products to create safe dining zones has increased significantly.

The barrier systems not only provide clear outdoor seating areas, but the crash-tested systems also provide physical protection from passing traffic.

Hospitality businesses are advised to contact their local authority for the full advice specific to their area.

Contact Hardstaff Barriers’ expert team at sales@hardstaffbarriers.com or on

0115 983 2304 to find out which barriers are suitable for your alfresco seating area.