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Apply for a pavement licence

Apply for a licence to place removable furniture over certain highways next to premises, for the sale of food and drink.

Pavement Licence Applications, new and renewals:
The Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 have been extended to 30 September 2024. New and renewal applications are now open. 

The government introduced a temporary pavement licensing scheme in 2020 that enabled the placing of removable furniture on the highways next to premises for the sale, or service and consumption, of food and drink. 

The government has extended the Pavement Licensing regime for another year, ending on 30 September 2023.  

Pavement licences run alongside the council’s existing table and chairs licensing regime.

Planning permission is not required for pavement licences.

The licence will allow businesses to use more of the space outside their premises, helping them provide more seats for customers who wish to have a table meal or consume alcohol seated (subject to the business holding a premises licence or temporary event notice under the Licensing Act 2003).

Read the guidance from the government on this scheme.

Published: 19 January 2021

Last updated: 29 August 2023