A pavement licence lets you put tables and chairs on the public highway outside your venue. The fast-track system was created during the pandemic by the Business and Planning Act 2020 and was later made permanent in England. You apply to the council, there's a short public consultation, and the council can grant the licence with conditions on layout, hours and keeping the footway clear. Fees are capped, and the licence lasts for a set period before renewal.
Councils must think about access for disabled people, particularly wheelchair users and blind and partially sighted pedestrians, so a clear route along the pavement is essential. Breaking the conditions can lead to the licence being revoked. Selling alcohol outside still depends on your premises licence covering off-sales or the outdoor area. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements, so check with your local authority before buying furniture.
What we ask on the show
- Have pavement licences changed British street life?
- How do you balance outdoor tables with pedestrian access?
- Why do some neighbours object to outdoor seating?
- Is al fresco dining worth it in the British climate?