If you want to place tables and chairs on the pavement outside your premises and do not want to offer smoking in the outside area, you may want to apply for a pavement licence.
If you want to offer smoking, then keep reading this page.
Applying for a licence
To apply you must:
- be an individual in attendance at the premises – partnerships or companies cannot apply
- have on-premises storage for the tables and chairs when not in use
Alcohol
If you will be serving alcohol within the proposed area, you will need:
Your licence must allow for alcohol to be consumed on a forecourt.
The local police will have the opportunity to comment on the application.
What you must provide
To apply you must provide:
- a copy of your food registration or inspection report
- a copy of your commercial waste agreement
- a copy of your public liability insurance – at least £5 million cover (certificate and schedule list)
- a passport style photograph, taken within the last 12 months, of the person applying for the licence
- proof of your identity (eg passport, driving licence)
- proof of your address (eg bank statement, utility bill, council tax)
Length of licence
Licences are granted for between 6 months and 3 years.
Apply
Please contact us for an application form.
Fees
Please see our list of fees.
After applying
Site inspection
A council officer will inspect the proposed site, and area near it, and consider:
- whether tables and chairs on the footway would be good for the area or not
- what effect any noise would be to local residential properties
- whether passers-by could move the tables and chairs causing problems elsewhere
- whether the footway is wide enough, considering pedestrian flow, bus queues, nearby fire exits etc
The officers will indicate:
- how large the space can be
- the maximum numbers of tables and chairs allowed – their type, style and sizes
- the times the tables and chairs must be removed, normally no later than 10 pm and not put outside again until after 7 am
We may specify that the licence cannot be used before, during or after an event when lots of people are around. This includes events such as a concert or football match.