THERE has been a huge increase in cafés and fast food outlets across the conurbation, figures show.

Between 2010 and this year, the number of such businesses rose from 65 to 110 in Bournemouth, from 30 to 55 in Poole and from 15 to 20 in Christchurch, according to the latest Office for National Statistics data.

The figures for unlicensed restaurants include both coffee shops and fast-foods outlets.

People in the UK drink 95 million cups of coffee each day, up from 70 million 10 years ago, according to a study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research.

One in 10 are sold in coffee shops, and more than half of those are served by big chains Costa Cafe, Starbucks and Cafe Nero.

Mike Cherry, the Federation of Small Business’ national chairman, said: “Crucially, it isn’t just chain stores who are seeing their fortunes rise, but independents are also thriving in this food and drink boom.

“Not only does this help small firms, but also gives shoppers a greater wealth of choice and promotes good healthy competition.”

“The caveat for this success is that all smaller firms, whether they are selling coffee, clothes or carpets are constantly threatened by ever-rising business rates.”

The data from the ONS shows that the rate of opening of new coffee shops and fast-food restaurants in Bournemouth has slowed since 2016, although there was still a 22 per cent rise.

The expansion was slower than the average for the UK however.

Christchurch actually saw a decline with five such businesses closing since 2016.

Meanwhile the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has urged local authorities to use planning powers to prevent new fast food shops opening near “schools, playgrounds and other areas where children spend much of their time”.

Consultant paediatrician Rahul Chodari said: “We know that many of these outlets are located near schools, and with one in three children leaving primary school overweight or obese, it is clear that action is needed to create healthier environments for children and young people.”

Nationally, there are 28,900 unlicensed restaurants, nearly double eight years earlier.