Businesses that are eligible include public houses, cafes, bars, restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops and ice cream parlours including where such uses from an ancillary aspect of another use, for example, supermarkets or entertainment venues which sell food and drink.
Pavement licences are valid for up to 24 months from the date of issue. When it expires, the business can apply for a renewal, which also lasts for another 24 months.
You do not need a licence if you are putting the tables and chairs on private land.
How much will it cost?
| Number of chairs | Renewal application | New application |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | £200 | £250 |
| 5-10 | £300 | £400 |
| 10-40 | £350 | £500 |
How long will it take?
Once all the relevant information and payment has been provided to the local authority the authority has 28 days from the day from the day after the application was submitted (excluding bank holidays) to consult on and determine the application. This consists of 14 calendar days for public consultation and then 14 calendar days to consider and determine the application.
What are the terms and conditions of the pavement licence?
You must adhere to the standard terms and conditions. Failure to adhere to the conditions, the licence may result in the licence being revoked.
Please note that we may impose additional conditions if we consider it appropriate to do so. These may include restricting the operational hours and / or licence period requested.
Before applying
Please read the guidance which includes the site template which must be displayed.
Apply for a pavement licence
When applying for a pavement licence you will need to place a notice to the premises so that it is easily legible to the public. The notice must be in place for the duration of the public consultation which is 14 days beginning the day after the application was submitted to the Authority. When counting days ‘public holidays’ are not included.
Applicants are encouraged to engage with any services operated in the vicinity for vulnerable customers, for example, care home, disability organisations nearby where individuals may be at particular risk.
You will need to provide evidence the Notice is on display by sending us a picture the day following submission.
In order to complete the online application, you will need to have the following documents available:-
- A site plan indicating proposed area
- A clear layout diagram showing exact positions and numbers of tables and chairs clearly showing measurements.
- Pictures of proposed furniture
- A clear photograph of the site notice affixed to the premises
- A copy of your current public liability insurance for a minimum value of £5million specifically covering tables and chairs on the highway.
- Noise management plan (if outside the hours of 10am – 19.30pm)
- Pest management plan
- Copy of premises licence (if applicable).