Revenue from outdoor table and chairs permits has brought in almost £1 million for the council in the last year.

It marks an approximately £150,000 increase over last year’s figures, which came in at about £850,000.

Councillors voted in May to trial changes to the city’s table and chairs licensing process, the first since 2007.

It allows businesses to apply for ‘top-ups’ to their 9am to 9pm permits outside the Grassmarket area, extending their licences to either or both 7.30a or 10.00p.

Within Grassmarket, businesses are only allowed to have tables and chairs on pavements between noontime and 9pm.

Council officers said 20 businesses had taken advantage of the opportunity to get an extra 90 minutes of availability in the morning.

Transport and Environment convener, Labour councill

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