Pavement Cafes

Policy consultation

Darlington Borough Council is reviewing its Pavement Café Policy and seeking your views.

This policy was designed to enhance the leisure provision for residents and visitors to Darlington and add to the vibrancy of both the day and evening economy of the town centre.

Well operated pavement cafes are attractive venues for families to enjoy refreshment and add to the ambiance of the town centre.

Proposed amendments to this policy include:

• No smoking and no vaping
• Remove the requirement for food to be served
• Allow low level background music
• Raise the terminal hour from 10.30pm to 11.00pm

We would like to know your views on any of the proposed changes and if there is anything else that should be included/removed.

Read the proposed pavement café policy [pdf document]

Should you wish to respond please do so by contacting the licensing manager in writing at [email protected] or

Darlington Borough Council
Town Hall
Feethams
Darlington
DL1 5QT

This consultation ends on 28 February 2025 and responses will be considered by the Licensing Committee before a final decision is made for any changes by Full Council.

Policy and guide

Please read the policy and guide before applying for a licence.

• Pavement Café Policy [pdf document]
• Quick guide to Pavement Café Licensing [pdf document]

Apply Online

Please read the above Policy before applying for a license.

• Apply for a pavement café license [external link]
• Apply to change a pavement café license [external link]

Application Form

Pavement café application form [word document]