Under new rules to encourage a Mediterranean atmosphere in the Market Place, landlords applying to put tables and chairs outside their pubs have been told that customers must be sat down if they want to drink outside.

Pubs such as the Hogshead, Berkshire Tavern, Document House and Queens Hotel must also provide table service, and serve drinks in plastic glasses. Food must be eaten with plastic cutlery, although steaks may be eaten with a steak knife.

Landlords have been waiting 18 months for the council to issue guidance on outdoor drinking, and even after securing permission, they will be barred from putting out tables and chairs on market days, and during other events in the Market Place. The rules apply from 9am to 11pm.

Although the new rules only apply to the Market Place, landlords in other parts of town have not been so lucky. The Snooty Fox in Bartholomew Street has failed in an attempt to put tables and chairs at the front of the pub, as has the Pig and Paper in Northbrook Street.