Pavement licensing

What is a pavement licence?

A pavement licence lets businesses (like cafés, pubs, or restaurants) place removable furniture - such as tables and chairs - on the pavement outside their premises for customers to eat or drink.

What can be placed outside?

Only furniture used for food and drink (e.g. tables, chairs). No advertising boards or other items are allowed.

Who can apply?

Any business that serves food or drink and wants to use the pavement space outside their premises.

Key rules to follow:

• You must leave at least 1.5 metres of clear space on the pavement so people, including wheelchair users, can pass safely. View Best practice on access to pedestrian and transport infrustructure for guidance.
• Licences are usually valid between:
  • 8am and 10:30pm (Sunday to Thursday)
  • 8am and 11pm (Friday and Saturday)
• A licence can last up to 2 years.

What you need to apply:

1. Insurance: proof of public liability insurance (minimum £5 million).
2. Maps and plans:
   1. a map showing your business location.
   2. a detailed plan of the pavement area you want to use, including furniture layout and measurements.
3. Permission: if the area is in front of another property, you need written permission from that owner.
4. Furniture details: photos or brochures of the furniture you’ll use.
5. Public notice: you must display a notice outside your premises and take a photo of it. This must stay up for 14 days after you apply.

How to apply

• fill out the online application form
• upload all required documents
• pay the £100 fee
• display the public notice on the day you apply.

What happens next?

• the council will consult with local authorities and the public
• after the 14-day consultation, we will decide whether to approve your licence
• if no decision is made within 14 days after consultation ends, the licence is automatically granted with standard conditions.