The cost of licensing outdoor seating areas for cafés, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants is being slashed by Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC).
As part of efforts to support hospitality businesses and town centres across the district, the council is offering a 70 per cent discount on pavement licences, applying to both new applications and renewals until March 2028.
Pavement licences allow hospitality businesses selling food and drink to place tables and chairs on public footpaths outside their premises to help create a more vibrant, café culture-style atmosphere.
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.
The discount is part of MHDC’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 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”.
Cllr 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”.
Visit www.worcsregservices.gov.uk/ or call 01905 822799 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..for more information and to renew a licence.
Published 27 April 2026.
