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.
Apply for a new licence or renew your current licence
You can apply online for a new licence or to renew your licence.
Contact us if you need to make changes to your current licence.
Before you send your application by post, you should pay online first and provide a reference of payment with your submitted application.
You can then download and print the application form and send it to us by post.
How to make an appeal or a complaint
If you want to appeal a decision you should contact us in the first instance.
Members of the public who are experiencing problems with a licensed premises should contact us for advice.
