The Business and Planning Act 2020 has introduced a new, temporary, fast-track process for businesses to obtain a pavement licence for the placement of furniture, such as tables and chairs, on the highway (including footpaths and pavements) adjacent to their premises.
This permission can only be used for the purpose of selling or consuming food and drink in connection with the activity of the main premises, and licences will expire no later than September 30, 2021.
This will help businesses to maximise their ability to trade, while adhering to social-distancing guidelines.
Conditions
In accordance with section 5 of the Business and Planning Act 2020, we have published a list of standard conditions that will be attached to all pavement licences, both granted and ‘deemed granted’ and they are contained within the policy.
Failure to comply with the conditions could lead to revocation of the licence, so it is important that you read this information and other guidance within the policy before you apply and understand the requirements that you will need to comply with as a licence holder.
Pavement licences guidance on GOV.UK
Apply for a pavement licence
To apply for a licence, you will need to:
- complete the online application
- submit any supporting evidence
- make payment
Costs and fees
Applications must be submitted with the fee of £100.
Application form
Complete an online application form and submit it along with supporting documents.
Notice of application
On the same day that you make the application, you must give notice of your application.
Using our template notice, you must display the notice of the application to the premises so that it is visible and can be read easily by members of the public.
The notice must remain in place for 7 days, beginning with the day after you make the application.
After you've applied
All applications are subject to a 7 day public consultation period. This will start the day after the application is made. We then have a further 7 days to make a decision on the application.
If we fail to make a decision within this time frame, the licence is ‘deemed granted’.
There is no right of appeal if the application is refused.