Tables & Chairs Application Pack

The use of tables and chairs on the street in Westminster is regulated under the City of Westminster Act 1999. A temporary licence is granted for a period of 6 months. A further 6 month temporary licence can be applied for to run consecutively.

PLANNING PERMISSION

The Council policy is that before a temporary licence can be issued to use tables and chairs on the highway, planning permission must be obtained. This permission normally covers a twelve month period and the terminal hour for use of tables and chairs restricted to 11pm.

APPLYING FOR A TEMPORARY LICENCE

Both the applications for planning permission and a temporary licence must be submitted to Development Planning, 12th Floor, City Hall,  64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP.

The Planning Development Service will process their application and forward the licence application to the Licensing Team for processing. It is important to ensure all documentation is enclosed with both applications otherwise they could be made invalid and delay the issue of the licence. If an application is made invalid, the Council will retain a third of the application fee to cover administration costs.

If you intend to use space heaters, a risk assessment must be submitted which will be reviewed by an Environmental Health Officer.

Any use of barriers will need approval from the Council therefore photographs, specification details and plan showing their position must be submitted.

The fee payable for a temporary licence is based on the number of places (chairs) and hours between 7pm and 11pm.

- Tables and Chairs Fees 2003

- New application form

- Variation application form

- Licensing Guidelines for the placing of Tables and Chairs on the Highway

PRIVATE FORECOURTS

A temporary street trading licence is not required where the land adjacent to the shop is private forecourt provided that the selling exposure or offer for sale of the articles of the provision of the services:

(i) forms part of the business of the owner of the shop or person assessed for uniform business rate of the shop; and

(ii) takes place during the period during which the shop is open to the public for business.

A shop does not include premises such as a restaurant or public house.

The onus will be on the owner of the premises to provide evidence the land is private forecourt. Normally a land registry document will be submitted which will be checked by the Council.

If part of the highway is being used in addition to private forecourt then a land registry document must be submitted with the licence application.

CONTACTING THE COUNCIL

If you require any further information please contact the Licensing Hotline on 020 7641 8549.