WARRINGTON Borough Council has launched a consultation on a Draft Pavement Café Policy 2026, giving residents, businesses and community groups a chance to share their views.
The proposed policy sets out a clear framework for the application, determination, administration and enforcement of pavement café licences granted under the Business and Planning Act 2020 (as amended).
Pavement cafés can help create lively and attractive town centres, support local businesses and enhance the visitor experience. The draft policy aims to balance these benefits with the need to ensure public spaces remain safe, accessible and welcoming for all.
The policy has been developed to:
• Support local businesses and economic growth.
• Encourage appropriate outdoor dining opportunities.
• Ensure public spaces remain safe, inclusive and accessible.
• Protect pedestrian movement and highway safety.
• Balance the needs of businesses, residents, visitors and pedestrians.
• Promote compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.
The council is particularly keen to hear from a wide range of individuals and organisations, including:
• Residents and visitors.
• Hospitality businesses.
• Existing pavement café operators.
• Disability representative groups.
• Access forums.
• Older people.
• Parents, carers and people who use pushchairs.
• Blind and partially sighted people.
• Wheelchair users.
• Community groups and town centre stakeholders.
Cllr John Kerr-Brown, cabinet member for environment, housing and public protection, said: “Pavement cafés play an important role in supporting our local hospitality sector, helping to create vibrant town centres and encouraging people to spend time in our communities. However, it is equally important that our streets and public spaces remain safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone.
“This draft policy aims to strike the right balance between supporting businesses and ensuring that residents, visitors and people with a range of access needs can move around our town centres safely and independently.
“We are keen to hear from as many people as possible, particularly those who may be directly affected by pavement cafés. I would encourage residents, businesses, disability groups and community organisations to take part in the consultation and share their views.”
Feedback received during the consultation will help inform the final policy before it is considered for adoption.
The council is encouraging everyone with an interest in the future management of pavement cafés to review the draft policy and share their views.
The consultation is open until 7 September 2026.
For more information and to take part CLICK HERE
