Deli boss praises reduction in pavement licence

A Herefordshire business owner says she is "really grateful" for a 70% reduction in in pavement licence fees.

Samantha Morgan, from Drapers Lane Deli in Leominster, said the move would benefit the whole high street, not just hospitality.

"It's about people spending much longer in Leominster and if someone sits outside with a coffee for 20 minutes they'll often wander into two or three shops afterwards," she said, adding: "That's really good for the whole town centre."

A pavement licence is an official permit issued by the local authority that allows food and drink businesses to place removable furniture like tables and chairs on the pavement outside its premises.

The cost of a new pavement licence will fall from £500 to £150, while renewal fees will reduce from £350 to £105.

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.

"Reducing the cost of a pavement licence makes it much more affordable for independent businesses like ours to do that."

The announcement by Herefordshire Council comes towards the end of the summer and Morgan said: "It would have been great if it had happened at the start of the season, but we're really grateful for it now."

Herefordshire Council said it hopes the change would help create more vibrant and welcoming high streets.

Councillor Graham Biggs, the cabinet member for Economy and Growth, said: "Small businesses make a huge contribution to the character and vitality of our town centres, and relatively small changes can make a real difference to them.

"Making it more affordable for cafés, restaurants, pubs and other hospitality businesses to offer outdoor seating is one way we can support them, while also helping to create town centres where people want to spend more time."

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