Pavement licence fees are being significantly reduced to support hospitality businesses.
Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) has introduced a 70 per cent discount on pavement licences for cafés, restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops, covering both new applications and renewals until March 2028.
The move aims to help businesses expand their outdoor seating areas and contribute to a vibrant, café-style atmosphere.
Councillor Jeremy Owenson, Worcestershire Regulatory Services lead member at MHDC, said: “With summer approaching, we are encouraging businesses to take up our offer of a discount and to make sure they apply for or renew a pavement licence.
“It’s a great way for businesses to expand outdoors and create a café culture-style atmosphere.”
Pavement licences allow hospitality businesses selling food and drink to place tables and chairs on public footpaths outside their premises.
They can also be used for other types of removable furniture, such as counters or stalls for selling food and drink outside, heaters, benches and other types of seating.
Councillor Beverley Nielsen, portfolio holder for economic development and tourism at MHDC, said: “We want our businesses across the Malvern Hills District to thrive, and outdoor seating and displays play a big part in this.
“They create vibrant, welcoming, and engaging spaces in our towns and villages for people to spend time and support local traders.”
MHDC said the discount was part of wider work to support local businesses and create more attractive places for people to spend time.
Businesses are reminded they must apply for or renew a licence before placing any furniture on the pavement to ensure it is done safely and in line with regulations.
Furniture placed without a licence, or left overnight, could be removed by licensing officers.
Visit www.worcsregservices.gov.uk/ or call 01905 822799 or email enquiries@worcsregservices.gov.uk for more information and to renew a licence.
