Pavement Licenses

A pavement licence is a licence granted by the local authority which allows the licence-holder to place removable furniture over certain highways adjacent to the premises in relation to which the application was made, for certain purposes.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 makes permanent the provisions set out in the Business and Planning Act (BPA) 2020 that streamlined the process to allow businesses to secure these licences quickly. Licences that are deemed to have been granted, should remain in place for such period as the local authority may specify in the licence, with a maximum limit of two years. As default (unless specified) all new licences will be granted for two years.

These can only be issued to businesses which use (or propose to use) premises for the sale of food or drink for consumption (on/off the premises). Businesses that do not use their premises for the sale of food or drink, for example salons, are ineligible. Though they can apply for permission to place furniture on the pavement under the Highways Act 1980.

The Council will only consider an application for a Pavement Licence in accordance with the specified conditions.

Pavement Licence Conditions (PDF, 61 KB)

The legislation that governs these licences can be found here:

Business and Planning Act 2020

Further information and guidance can be found here:

Pavement licences: guidance - GOV.UK

Prior to starting an application, please note the following important information.

Prior to starting an application, please note the following important information

• The licence may only operate between the hours of 9.00am and 11.00pm as a maximum.  Further restrictions on operating hours may be applicable at some locations, and you will be advised if these restrictions apply at your location.
• It is a condition of the licence that a clear pedestrian route along the highway must be maintained at all times compliant with the current inclusive mobility requirements for pushchairs and wheelchair/mobility scooter users, which is no less than 1m wide (for a maximum length of 6m) and where there is high pedestrian footfall this shall be increased. This distance shall be measured from the furthermost edge of the barrier to the nearest kerbside.

If you cannot achieve this clearance, then you cannot apply for a Pavement Licence and any applications will be rejected.

• The applicant shall have public liability insurance in the sum of at least £5 million.
• The application fee payable is listed in our fees and charges.
• If smoking areas are supported in the area, provision must also be made for a non-smoking area in the outside area to be licensed.

To apply, please use the online form below