Cafés, pubs, and restaurants could soon offer more al fresco dining under a major reduction in pavement licence fees.
Herefordshire Council has announced a 70 per cent cut in the cost of obtaining a pavement licence, aiming to boost the hospitality sector and encourage outdoor seating across town centres.
Under the new scheme, the fee for a licence will drop from £500 to £150, with renewal fees reduced from £350 to £105.
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Cllr Barry Durkin, cabinet member for roads and regulatory services, said: "Hospitality businesses are at the heart of our high streets and play a key role in creating places where people want to spend time.
"We want to make it easier for businesses to offer outdoor seating and make better use of available space, giving customers more choice and helping our town centres feel more vibrant and welcoming. By reducing pavement licence fees by 70 per cent, we are removing a cost barrier for businesses while continuing to ensure that outdoor seating is managed safely and appropriately."
The council hopes the move will encourage more hospitality businesses to apply for licences, helping to create lively and attractive high streets.
Samantha Morgan, owner of Drapers Lane Deli in Leominster, welcomed the change.
Ms Morgan said: "This is great news for us and our customers. We love being able to offer people the chance to sit outside, enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by, and reducing the cost of a pavement licence makes it much more affordable for independent businesses like ours to do that.
"Hopefully, it will mean more people choosing to spend time in our town centres, discovering local businesses and enjoying what they have to offer."
Pavement licences allow businesses to place tables, chairs, and other approved removable furniture on the public highway outside their premises.
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