🪑 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

💼 Our Fee:

• Flat rate: £500+vat

• Plus the local authority’s fee (maximum £500)