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 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.
We're currently updating our application eform. To apply, please contact us by email at environmental.health@woking.gov.uk
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.