Pavement licence
The Government has introduced temporary measures through the Business and Planning Act 2020 to support businesses selling food and drink during the economic recovery while social distancing guidelines remain in place.
The Act streamlines the process of obtaining permission for the placing of tables and chairs outside your business on the pavement. This new legislation is temporary and will only apply until 30 September 2021.
Who can apply for a pavement licence?
A Pavement Licence allows the licence holder or premises owner to place removable furniture over certain highways, adjacent to the premises. This is in order to make it easier to serve food and drink from the premises and maximise capacity with outdoor tables and chairs.
Businesses that are eligible for this permission include those intending to use the premises for the sale of food or drink for consumption (on or off the premises). These include public houses, cafes, bars, restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops and ice cream parlours.
Furniture that can be used is:
- Counters or stalls for selling food or drink
- tables, counters or shelves on which food or drink can be placed
- chairs, benches or other forms of seating, and;
- umbrellas, barriers heaters and other articles used in connection with the outdoor consumption of food or drink.
Licences can only be granted in respect of highways listed in S115A(1) Highways Act 1980 (opens in a new window). Generally speaking, these are footpaths restricted to pedestrians or are roads and places to which vehicle access is restricted or prohibited.
How do I apply for a pavement licence?
Please complete and return the Pavement Licence Application form (PDF File, 323kb) by post to Licensing and Enforcement, Newark and Sherwood District Council, Castle House, Great North Road, Newark, Notts, NG24 1BY or by email at request@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
You will need to include in your application:
- a location plan showing the name of the street, the proposed area applied for (including dimensions), and the positions of the street furniture (such as tables and chairs) to be placed within the proposed area
- photographic images of the proposed street furniture
- proof of Public Liability Insurance.
- a copy of the Public Notice for a pavement licence (PDF File, 313kb) you must place on the front of the premises facing the street.
There is a 7-day consultation period beginning on day after the application is made. Applicants will be required to display a public notice at their premises throughout the 7-day period.
Following the consultation period there is a further 7-day period for determination. Applicants will be notified on the Council’s decision. If the Council does not make a formal decision about the application by the end of the determination period, the licence is deemed to have been granted.
The Licence may be granted with standard conditions, or may granted with additional conditions specific to the site, or may be refused for reasons that will be clearly explained.
Current Applications
How long is a Pavement Licence valid for?
The Council are currently issuing pavement licences until 30 September 2022, at which point the licence may be renewed.
The cost for a new application is £50.00. The fee for a renewal will be £25.00.