The summer weather of 2015 may not have been one for the record books but Douglas Development Partnership is urging café owners in the town centre to look ahead to 2016 and apply for licences to operate pavement cafés now. 

Town centre manager Michelle O’Malley said: ‘The licensing of pavement cafés ensures high standards are met. Properly managed and presented with quality furniture and barrier fittings pavement cafés can contribute hugely to a vibrant town centre atmosphere, as they encourage customers to linger longer in the retail areas, so not only benefit café outlets but also local businesses. And customers are clearly not deterred from enjoying alfresco café culture even when the sun goes in and the temperature goes down, so I would urge café owners to apply for their 2016 licences now.’

Pavement cafés require planning approval. Full details are listed under ‘Pavement Cafés and Highways Licences’. (See opposite).

For more information contact Michelle O’Malley, Douglas Development Partnership, 7-13 Victoria Street, Douglas. (See opposite).