Pavement Licences

When you’re running a bar, restaurant or café, you want to make your premises as inviting and noticeable as possible. However, putting furniture and signs on the pavement without the correct permissions can land you in hot water and receive a hefty fine. That’s why you need to apply for a pavement licence.

What is a pavement licence?

A pavement licence is a licence granted by the local authority and allows the licence holder to place removable furniture and signs over certain pavements across from the premises.

The process allows businesses to secure licences in time for the summer (when granted). 

When a pavement licence is granted, clear access routes on the pavement must be maintained (i.e kept clean and tidy), taking into account everyone’s needs, including people with disabilities.

How much does a pavement licence cost?

Pavement licence fees are set locally, however, the amount is currently capped at £100.

Not filling in the pavement licence correctly could cost you money, and you may not get the best licence possible for your business needs.

John Gaunt & Partner’s expert licensing solicitors can help you get the best pavement licence possible for your premises. Get in touch for more information. 

Are boards allowed on pavements? 

Putting your board or sign onto a Public Footpath can lead to heavy fines if you don’t have a pavement licence that allows you to do so. Even when you own the land, some local authorities want you to obtain Planning Permission before displaying tables, chairs and signs.

Can I put tables and chairs outside my cafe?

If you want to put tables and chairs outside your Cafe, you will have to check with your local council if your cafe is eligible. 

In most cases, the local council will own the pavement outside your cafe. This means you’ll have to apply for a pavement licence for permission to put the table and chairs outside.

Each individual licence will limit how many customers you can serve outside of your cafe, what seating options can be offered and how many customers can be served at one time.

John Gaunt & Partner’s expert licensing solicitors can help you get the best pavement licence possible for your cafe. Get in touch for more information. 

Can I put tables outside my pub?

If your pub is on a pavement, you will need to obtain permission to put tables and chairs outside on the pavement from your local authority. 

They will accept or decline permission, usually on a 12-month basis. 

You will need to apply for a pavement licence in order to place furniture and boards on the pavement outside your pub, which can be a complicated process.

If you have a ‘beer garden’, check that the garden area is covered by your original premises licence to sell or consume alcohol. 

If it doesn’t, this means you will have to apply for a variation to your licence.

John Gaunt & Partner’s expert licensing solicitors can help you get the best licence possible for your pub. Get in touch for more information. 

How do you apply for a pavement licence?

This area of law is complex and varies from region to region. 

With one of the largest teams of specialist licensing lawyers in the country, we can make sure that you do not fall foul of the regulations that are specific to your area.

Get in touch with the John Gaunt team today for expert help obtaining your pavement licence.