Pavement Cafes

As part of its remit to improve the image and environment of the island’s capital, Douglas Development Partnership aims to encourage the setting up of pavement cafes, restaurants and bars which contribute positively to the streetscape and provide a welcome facility for residents and visitors. Under the right circumstances, retail businesses may also be able to use the public spaces outside their premises to display their goods to great effect.  Well managed pavement cafés and trading can help to dramatically improve the character of an area by making it more welcoming and by creating and enhancing a relaxed social environment. However, poorly conceived and managed pavement cafes and trading can be detrimental to the amenity of local residents and users.

Pavement Cafes on North Quay

The Partnership has produced a set of guidelines in consultation with the Department of Local Government & the Environment, the Department of Transport, Douglas Corporation, the Disability Access Office and the Isle of Man Constabulary in order to ensure that anyone proposing to set up a pavement café or to display goods on the pavement in Douglas is aware of the various issues which must be considered, the approvals which must be sought and the criteria by which such approvals will be assessed.

Whilst the guidelines attempt to deal with most predictable situations, it is recognised that under certain circumstances applications for pavement cafes and trading may have to be assessed using alternative criteria.

If you wish to use a pavement in Douglas in relation to your business we would recommend that you discuss your proposals with us at an early stage as we can assist in the process.

The guidance uses the term “Pavement Café” generically to include restaurants, bars, coffee shops or other establishments where food or drink would be served or consumed within a defined area of the public highway.

A copy of the latest version of "Guidelines on the Use of the Public Highway for Pavement Cafes and the Display of Goods" can be downloaded here.

 

Selected Project List

• North Quay Improvements
• Quayside Public Art Strategy.
• Raad ny Foillan Sculpture.
• Town Centre Improvements.
• ShopWatch
• Independent Retailer Support Scheme
• Douglas Trail
• "Dhoo Glas Experience"
• Pavement Cafes.