PLANS introduced earlier this year before lockdown to extend opening hours for city centre bars and cafes have been delayed due to coronavirus.

The City Centre Temporary Street Cafe Policy report was presented on the 18th of March, and the proposal was approved to commence public consultation for 6 weeks.

The scheme would extend opening hours for pop-up seating areas outside bars and restaurants on major city streets including Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street, among others.

Plans have been pushed back since lockdown, as the City Administration Committee have not been able to meet.

Read more: 'Longer opening hours' for Glasgow streets bars and cafes

All agreements must be made in line with new national guidance, which may also affect the scheme if passed.

The report says: "Since 2014 the vibrancy of Glasgow city centre has benefited from the growth in restaurants, bars, cafes and other food and drink businesses," the report states.

"These add value to the city centre experience, especially at a time when the growth in the digital economy requires a rethink of the city centre retail strategy."

The policy covers sites on public roads or footpaths which "enable an existing business to provide additional tables and chairs".

Pilot scheme guidelines state extended hours would mean venues can serve customers from 7am to 10pm outwith pedestrianised areas. They would also have an hour to set up and an hour to take down equipment.

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The report adds: "In the main pedestrianised areas at Buchanan Street, Gordon Street, Royal Bank Place and Exchange Place, later opening hours will operate."

Businesses on these streets would be able to serve from 11am to 10pm all week.

Since coronavirus threw the city into lockdown, all businesses when eventually reopening may have to adhere to new national guidelines concerning social distancing and hygiene measures.

A council spokesman said: “The public consultation on the proposed new temporary street café policy will take place at an appropriate time.”