Pavement cafe licence

If you run a business and want to place tables, chairs or other temporary furniture on the pavement for customers to use you need a licence.

It is your responsibility to obtain all other permission or consent required. This includes planning permission in connection with the proposed extension of your business onto the pavement. Where appropriate, you may need to apply for an amendment to your existing premises licence.

Who can apply for a pavement cafe licence

Any person who runs a business and wants to place tables, chairs or other temporary furniture on the pavement.

How long the licence lasts

The licence lasts for a year. It is your responsibility to make sure you renew it.

Costs

It costs £115 to apply for a new licence or to renew your current licence.

What you need to provide with your application

You should submit the following documents:

a completed application form (and privacy statement if applying by post)
£115 application fee (or payment reference if applying by post)
planning consent (if applicable)
location and site layout plan
furniture appearance
Public Liability Insurance of at least £2 million
risk assessment
written consent of adjacent land owner
premises licence (if applicable)

What happens once you have made an application

Once we receive your application, we will place a public notice at or near the area you would like to place furniture, detailing the proposal and a providing a 28 day deadline for comments.

During this 28 day consultation period we will consult with any other relevant authorities and take into account any representations.

If there are no representations to the proposal, we will endeavour to process your application within 14 days after the last date for representations.

If there are issues or objections to your application we will notify you as soon as is practical. Your application will then be determined by a licensing committee which you will be invited to attend.

Tacit consent will not apply

You cannot assume your licence has been granted if you haven't heard from us within 42 days. It is in the public interest that we process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us after this period you should contact us.