Apply for a pavement licence for street furniture

Pavement licences were introduced by the government to help the hospitality sector stay open for business during the COVID restrictions. 

The regulations are now permanent and manged by local borough and district councils.  

A pavement licence allows a business to place removeable furniture, such as tables and chairs, on a public highway pavement to: 

  • sell or serve food or drink
  • allow customers to consume food or drink purchased at the premises

The licence does not allow you to sell alcohol. 

Businesses which need to apply

Businesses that can apply for a pavement licence include:

  • pubs
  • cafes
  • bars
  • restaurants
  • snack bars
  • coffee shops
  • ice cream parlours
  • those that have food or drink services as part of the business, such as supermarkets and entertainment venues

Furniture that can be included in a licence:

  • counters or stalls for selling or serving food or drink
  • tables, counters or shelves on which food or drink can be placed
  • chairs, benches, or other seating and
  • umbrellas, barriers, heaters and other equipment used for outdoor consumption of food or drink

Pavement licence duration

Approved pavement licences are valid for 2 years.  

We have the authority to grant a licence for a shorter period of time. For example, there are future plans to change the use of the pavement. In this case a licence period of three months will be provided as a minimum.

A pavement licence can be taken back (revoked) at any time if you breach the licence terms and conditions.

Licences cannot be transferred.

If you have an existing temporary pavement licence

Existing temporary pavement licences are valid for 2 years from the start date. From this date, you must apply to renew your licence.

Other licences you may need to apply for – alcohol and food licences

If you're granted a pavement licence you still need to apply for any other necessary licences and permissions, such as an alcohol premises licence or food business registration

If you already have an alcohol licence, issued before 22 July 2020, you do not currently need to apply for a licence variation to allow alcohol to be consumed within the pavement area. 

If you are already a registered food business you do not need to re-register the business, unless you are significantly changing your food handling practices.

You are not required to apply for planning permission as well as a pavement licence.

How to apply for a pavement licence

Before you apply, you should read our terms and conditions.

Apply for a pavement licence

Documents you need to apply

Whether you apply for a new pavement licence or to renew an existing pavement licence, you must provide us with the following documents:

  • a copy or photo of your public liability insurance of £5million or above
  • a detailed drawing with measurements of your pavement layout plan, including furniture, access points and neighbouring properties

Applications will not be accepted or reviewed without the requested document and drawing.

Application costs

  • The cost for a new pavement licence for a maximum of two years is £500
  • The cost to renew a pavement licence for a maximum of two years is £350

Public notice display

On the day you make an application, you must also complete a site notice template.

Once completed, you need to display the site notice on your premises for 14 days. It must be clearly visible to the public. 

As part of your application, we will ask you to provide photos of the notice.

What happens after you apply

We have 28 days (excluding public holidays) from the date you apply to consult on and decide the outcome. 

This includes 14 calendar days for public consultation and 14 calendar days to review the application and confirm the outcome. 

You will be notified if we require further information from you during the 28 day period, and at the end of the 28 days informed of the outcome of your application. Applications cannot be processed sooner than 28 days.

Current pavement licence applications

Nando’s

  • Reference number: 24/01310
  • Name of applicant: Karen Lush
  • Address: 24 Chertsey Road, Woking, GU21 5AB
  • Details of application: Placement of tables and chairs on the pavement to consume food and drink outside the restaurant
  • End date for representations: 16 September 2024

To make a representation against an application to place chairs, tables and other furniture outside a premises, email environmental.health@woking.gov.uk before the end date quoted above.