Council launches consultation on Pavement Licensing Policy
Published Monday, 15th September 2025
A public consultation is being held for residents and businesses to comment on a draft Pavement Licensing Policy which Pendle Borough Council is intending to adopt.
This comes following last month’s Executive Committee meeting, where it was decided the proposed Pavement Licensing Policy 2025 – 2030 should be consulted on.
A Pavement Licence will allow café, bar and restaurant licence holders to place removable furniture outside their premises on a public pavement.
Councillor David Whipp, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “It's brilliant to see a pavement cafe culture thriving in Pendle, helping sustain a bustling street scene.
“The Council supports and encourages the provision of pavement cafes and bars in the borough, as they can help maximise the use of public spaces, aid the local economy and add to the facilities offered to people who visit, live and work in Pendle.
“But whilst we want to encourage them, it is important that they are properly located and managed and do not obstruct the highway or create a hazard for pedestrians.”
Councillor Mohammad Hanif, Pendle Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health and Leisure Services, added: “Outdoor eating is becoming a more widespread aspect of urban life and the presence of tables and chairs on the pavement can make a positive contribution by adding vitality, colour, life and interest to an area.
“Allowing cafes, bars and restaurants to secure a licence to enable them to place furniture on the highway will help to provide much-needed income for businesses and protect as many hospitality jobs as possible, particularly during times of increasing living costs.”
You can view the draft Pavement Licensing Policy on the Council's website - www.pendle.gov.uk/licensing
If you have any comments, please email licensing@pendle.gov.uk by Wednesday 15 October 2025.