BLACKBURN'S cafe society is a step closer to reality after council bosses announced they were to start issuing pavement drinking licences.

The new licences will mean that people will be allowed to eat and drink in seating areas outside specific cafes, pubs and clubs

They will be the only areas in Blackburn town centre where drinking in the streets is allowed -- all other areas fall under the street drinking ban implemented earlier this year.

The concept of a cafe society is a key part of the regeneration of Blackburn town centre. Once the £241,000 sculptures have been placed in Church Street, it is hoped more new venues will open up and operate pavement cafes, which the council are trying to persuade to open during the day.

Coun Maureen Bateson, in charge of citizen and consumer rights at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "A number of applications have been received for pavement cafe licences, and these will allow consumption of alcohol within the identified cafe boundary."