A package of measures to support the growth of café culture in the borough, by making it easier and more affordable for hospitality businesses to create outdoor seating areas to serve food and drink, is being proposed by the council.

As part of the introduction of new pavement licences, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s key plans to support businesses include:

• new low-cost pavement licences which would be valid for a two-year period for removable outdoor furniture at businesses serving food and/or drink
• a 25% reduction in one-year permit fees for fixed tables and chairs to support businesses who have already invested in permanent seating areas or are not food venues
• reducing the level of public liability insurance required.

These support measures form part of the council’s draft Furniture on the Highway Licensing Policy 2026, developed in response to changes in national legislation. The policy outlines proposed fees and charges for the coming year and gives the council expanded powers to manage outdoor furniture licensing.

By simplifying the process and reducing costs, the council aims to help hospitality venues increase their outdoor capacity and attract more visitors to boost daytime and night-time economy in the borough’s town and village centres. This builds on targeted action taken by the council to make it easier for businesses at the Top of the Town to introduce and expand their outdoor seating offer.

Businesses and residents are being encouraged to share their views during a public consultation on the draft policy. Feedback from the consultation will help shape the final version of the policy, ensuring it meets the needs of the community and supports the continued success of the borough’s hospitality sector.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Our cafes, restaurants and bars in our town and village centres are at the heart of our communities. They are where people come together to socialise, relax and support our local businesses.

“Building on our targeted action at the Top of the Town, we want to go a step further by putting measures in place to make it easier for all hospitality businesses to create outdoor seating areas. By supporting businesses to maximise their spaces, we hope these proposed measures will boost their income and protect vital jobs in the borough so people can enjoy thriving towns and village centres.”

The consultation is now open and runs until 5pm on 2 January 2026 at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/table-chairs-on-highway-licensing