Outdoor seating costs cut to help businesses thrive

Date published:  20 April 2026

The cost of creating outdoor seating areas for cafés, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants is being slashed by Wychavon as part of efforts to support hospitality businesses and town centres.

A 70 per cent discount is now available on pavement licences, applying to both new applications and renewals.

Pavement licences allow 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.

Placement of advertising hoarding or A-boards, or anything which cannot be removed from the footpath after closing time, is not covered by a pavement licence and requires separate consent.

Although any qualifying business can apply for a pavement licence, they are mostly used by hospitality venues in town and village centres, helping to create a more vibrant, café culture-style atmosphere.

The discount is part of Wychavon’s 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.

Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, said: “Outdoor seating has a big part to play in creating the kind of café culture that makes our town and village centres more welcoming places to spend time, while helping them thrive.

“With the warmer months approaching I encourage businesses to apply for, or renew, a pavement licence and make the most of this discount, which significantly reduces the cost while still ensuring everything is done properly and safely.”

Businesses can find out more and apply or renew a licence by visiting the Worcestershire Regulatory Services pavement licences page or call 01905 822799 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..