未分类
Apply for a Pavement Licence
🪑 Apply for a Pavement Licence
If you run a café, bar, pub, or restaurant and want to place tables and chairs outside on the pavement, you’ll need a pavement licence from your local council.
💰 Costs
- New Application: £500 (maximum fee set by law)
- Renewal: £350
Note: These fees are set by the local authority and are non-refundable, even if your application is not approved.
⏳ How Long Does a Licence Last?
- Up to 2 years for both new and renewed licences.
- Licences may be shorter if the council has plans to change how the road is used.
✅ Who Can Apply?
You can apply if your business sells food or drink, including:
- Cafés, bars, pubs, restaurants
- Snack bars, ice cream parlours, coffee shops
- Supermarkets or entertainment venues with food/drink service
Not eligible: Businesses that don’t sell food or drink, like salons. These businesses can seek permission under different rules (Highways Act 1980).
🪑 What Furniture Is Allowed?
Permitted:
- Tables, chairs, and benches
- Counters and shelves for serving or holding food/drink
- Umbrellas, outdoor heaters, and barriers
❌ Not allowed:
- Fixed or non-removable furniture
- Fire pits, BBQs, or naked flames
- Advertising boards (require separate consent)
🚫 Standard Licence Rules
To comply with your licence, you must:
- Keep furniture within the shop frontage
- Keep the area clean and tidy
- Only allow seated customers (no vertical drinking)
- Display a no-smoking sign – smoking isn’t allowed
- No music, commentary, or amplified sound
- Remove all furniture by 6pm, unless otherwise stated
- Maintain £5 million public liability insurance
📄 How to Apply or Renew
Use the online form to:
- Apply for a new licence
- Renew a licence that expired on 30 September 2023
📝 You’ll need to upload:
- A clear layout showing proposed furniture, measurements, and nearby objects
🧾 What You’ll Need
To apply, you’ll need to submit:
- Business address and contact details
- Furniture description and layout plan
- Proposed operating days and hours
- Proof of public liability insurance
- Photos/brochures of the furniture
- Evidence of a public notice displayed at the premises
🕐 What Happens After You Apply?
- 14-day public consultation
- Then, 14 days for the council to make a decision
If no decision is made, the licence is automatically granted for 2 years, subject to conditions.
🧐 What Councils Consider
When deciding, local authorities review:
- Safety & accessibility (especially for disabled users)
- Public health & nuisance concerns
- Impact on street space and existing pavement use
- Any relevant national or local licence conditions
🔧 Let Licensing Solutions Handle It for You
Skip the stress – let us take care of your pavement licence application from start to finish.
✔ What We Offer:
- Full support preparing and submitting your application
- Guidance on layout plans and required documentation
- Liaising with the council on your behalf
