A NEW cafe’s application to put tables and chairs for customers outside on the pavement has been recommended for approval by Falmouth Town Council’s licensing committee.

Dark Pony Coffee Ltd, at 6 The Moor, in the town, the former home of Jackie Phillips Flowers, has applied for a pavement licence.

The business says it wants to be allowed to put furniture on the “highway” located in front of the shop to be used for the consumption of food and drink.

Councillors were told that the seating area would have a depth of two metres and a length of 4.75 metres and that the seating space would leave a minimum of two metres of footpath on the highway.

Falmouth mayor, Cllr Steve Eva said he had no problem supporting the application.

"I actually turned up and one night when the boys were setting up to see how they were getting on in the place," he said "and it was extremely clean and well looked after and they are running a good cafe. 

"If you go across the road there are lots of tables on thinner pavements than this. I see absolutely no reason cannot have a couple of tables outside, as long as they don't try to spread further out."

Cllr John Spargo raised concerns that two metres of pavement for pedestrians was the borderline of what was needed and also it might give Wetherspoons the idea to put out tables outside.

"That's my concern," he said.

But Cllr Eva said, people sitting at tables outside on the pavement drinking was now the culture in Falmouth and you have to adapt with the times.

Councillors voted to approve the application with the final decision being made by Cornwall Council.