MADAM,

Last week a man from the council visited cafes and shops in Monmouth and told them in no uncertain terms that from the next day, they would not be allowed to put out cafe tables or A boards until they had bought a license. £300 pounds was mentioned in one case, otherwise they risked an on the spot fine.

What a draconian way to approach this, reminiscent of Mafia protection rackets. Surely they could continue as before and get a license by a particular date.

Why do they need a license anyway? This is just money-grabbing, especially as rates have shot up for premises lately.

The charges will only be passed on to the customers, we need to attract visitors to the town and point out the way to smaller shops tucked away and provide a welcoming atmosphere in cafes where people can while away some time sitting outside if they wish. How on earth do they manage on the continent where outdoor cafes abound. Is Monmouth the only town singled out for this treatment?

Deborah Devauden

(Kingcoed)