ATTEMPTS to bring continental-style 'café culture' to Darlington have taken a step forward as a further two pavement drinking licenses were granted.

Darlington Borough Council has now approved thirteen pavement café licenses since the pedestrianisation of the town centre in June 2007.

At a meeting of the licensing committee, Avalon bar was handed a license for three tables outside its premises in Blackwellgate.

The George in Bondgate was also granted a renewal of its license despite a warning about flouting rules and a public complaint about yobbish behaviour outside the pub.

The licensing committee were shown a letter from a Mr D Challies about an experience outside the pub in May this year.

The letter read: "We encountered a large group of youths and other 'revellers' drinking from bottles with their shirts off, using disgusting language.

"In a time when Government is supposedly clamping down on anti-social behaviour and drinking, I find it unbelievable that you can see both on the streets of Darlington town centre on a Saturday afternoon."

In response to the complaint, council leader John Williams wrote: "We are anxious to promote a vibrant café culture that can be enjoyed by all and agree that your experience is totally unacceptable."

Council officials visiting The George following the complaint found that contrary to the license agreement, the outside drinking area was not cordoned off from the pavement.

David Nicholls, the pub's landlord, had been away when the incident happened. He said: "I apologise for this incident.

"There is a small amount of delinquents in the town and unfortunately they happened to be in The George at that time."

But Darlington's 'café culture' was last night questioned by Conservative parliamentary candidate Edward Legard, who reiterated his desire to see a public drinking ban.

He said: "A ban would make our public spaces feel safer for young families and for the elderly, and it makes us all feel less threatened.

"I think café culture is attainable in Darlington, but in time.

"Changes in attitude and culture don't happen overnight."

A council spokeswoman said: "Pedestrianisation has allowed the cafe culture in Darlington to flourish.

"The vast majority of people are responsible drinkers and they are enjoying what Darlington now has to offer."