YORK risks losing out to other cities if it doesn't make the most of its café bar culture - that is the verdict of city centre bosses.

The Press told last month how bar and café owners across the city had slammed council regulations - which are beginning a six-month trial period - meaning they can only operate outdoor areas between 10am and 8pm.

But Carolyn Dunn, chief executive of the York City Partnership, believes the city should be capitalising on its tourism industry, especially as lighter and warmer summer evenings approach.

She said: "I think we need a standard policy that brings us in line with people coming from other cities.

"Certainly in Europe, they are used to a different culture and we don't want to be seen to be lagging behind."

She has welcomed plans from two York bar owners who are hoping to boost the city's café bar culture by opening a riverside eating and drinking area.

Malcolm Goodwin, of Plonkers Wine Bar, and Shaun Binns, of The Lowther, both in Cumberland Street, have joined forces to apply to open a 30-table pavement café on Kings Staith, on the bank of the River Ouse, in front of their premises.

Mr Goodwin and Mr Binns have applied to the highways department to have them in place from 10am to 8pm, but have applied to have a licence until 10pm in case the council ever changes its policy.

Ms Dunn said York stood to benefit from an extension to its outdoor food and drink areas.

She said: "York seems to be a bit behind and with four million tourists a year visiting the city, we are crying out for that kind of development.

"Last summer, unless you were outside the Kings Arms when it opened, you couldn't get a table because it was packed, so there is obviously a market for it.

"The emphasis needs to be on making it good quality and upmarket, with good quality tables and chairs and good service.

"It's something York can really benefit from."