Pavement Licence Application

🪑 Pavement Licence Applications with The Licensing Team

If your business serves food or drink and you're looking to place tables, chairs, or similar items outside on public pavements, you'll need official permission. Let The Licensing Team help you secure your pavement licence efficiently and professionally.

💰 Fees

  • New Licence Application: £500 (maximum allowed by law)

  • Renewal: £350

Please note: These charges are set by your local authority and are non-refundable, even if your application is declined.

⏳ Licence Duration

A pavement licence can last for up to 2 years, whether it's your first application or a renewal.
Shorter durations may apply if your local council has future plans for the road or pavement space.

✅ Who's Eligible?

Businesses that serve food and beverages, including:

  • Cafés, pubs, restaurants, and bars

  • Coffee shops, dessert parlours, ice cream vendors

  • Supermarkets or venues offering dining/drinks

❌ Not eligible: Non-food businesses (e.g., salons, retail shops) — these may require separate permissions under different legislation (like the Highways Act 1980).

🪑 Permitted Furniture

You may use:

  • Tables, chairs, benches

  • Serving counters or food/drink display shelves

  • Weather protection (umbrellas, heaters) and safety barriers

🚫 Not allowed:

  • Permanently fixed furniture

  • Open flames, barbecues, or fire pits

  • Advertising signage (separate consent needed)

📋 Compliance Requirements

To keep your pavement licence valid, you'll need to:

  • Place furniture directly in front of your premises only

  • Ensure the area stays tidy and well-maintained

  • Allow only seated customers — no standing alcohol consumption

  • Clearly display no-smoking signage (smoking is prohibited)

  • Avoid playing music, amplified announcements, or commentary

  • Remove all furniture by 6:00 PM unless your licence says otherwise

  • Hold £5 million in public liability insurance

📄 How to Apply or Renew

Use our online system to:

  • Submit a new application

  • Renew a licence that expired on or after 30 September 2023

You'll need to include:

  • A detailed layout showing measurements and where furniture will be placed

  • Contact information and business address

  • Operating times and days

  • Proof of insurance

  • Photographs or brochures of the proposed furniture

  • Evidence that a public notice has been displayed at your premises

⏱ What Happens After Submission?

  1. A 14-day consultation period begins

  2. Then, the council has another 14 days to approve or refuse the licence

📌 If no decision is made by the end of the process, your licence is automatically granted for two years (subject to standard conditions).

🧐 How Councils Make Their Decisions

Local authorities will assess:

  • Public safety and accessibility

  • Potential noise or health concerns

  • Impacts on pedestrians or nearby businesses

  • Compliance with local and national guidelines

🤝 Let The Licensing Team Take Care of It

Want a hassle-free experience? We’ve got you covered.

✔ Our Services Include:

  • Full preparation and submission of your application

  • Expert help with layout drawings and required documents

  • Direct communication with the council on your behalf

💼 Our Fee:
£500 + VAT
(Excludes the local authority’s application fee)