Get yourPavement Licencefast!

A pavement licence allows businesses like cafés, restaurants, pubs, and bars to place furniture such as tables, chairs, barriers, and planters on the public pavement outside their premises. It is a legal requirement under the Business and Planning Act 2020 (made permanent in 2023) for any business wanting to serve customers outdoors on a public highway.

Yes. If your furniture is on a public highway or pavement, you must have a valid pavement licence from your local council. This applies to all cafés, restaurants, pubs, bars, and takeaways wanting outdoor seating on council-owned pavement.

Council fees typically range from £100 to £500 depending on your local authority. Barnab's application assistance fee is £300 + VAT. Total cost is usually between £400 and £800 including both fees.

Barnab prepares your application pack within 2–3 business days. After submission to the council, there is a 14-day public consultation period where a notice must be displayed in your window. The council then decides, with the full process typically taking 4–5 weeks from submission to licence grant.

You need: public liability insurance with minimum £5 million cover, photos of the street furniture you plan to use, a location plan or sketch showing dimensions and layout with at least 2 metres of clear pavement, and a landlord consent letter if you rent your premises.

Yes. All pavement licence applications require a current certificate of public liability insurance covering a minimum of £5 million. This must be in place before the licence is granted and maintained throughout its duration.

It depends on your local council, but it's usually around £100–£500. Barnab will let you know what applies in your area.

No problem. You can upload product photos from the internet or manufacturer websites to show the type and style of tables, chairs, barriers, or heaters you plan to use. You don't need to have purchased them before applying.

A simple sketch is fine. Include the pavement width, table and chair dimensions, the dimensions of the outside area you want to use, and the distance from the kerb. You must leave a minimum of 2 metres clear pavement for pedestrians. Barnab converts your sketch into a professional plan.

You must display a public notice in your window for 14 days. During this consultation period, the public and council can review your application. After the consultation ends, the council decides whether to grant your licence, typically within 4–5 weeks total.

If you rent your premises, yes. You need a signed, dated letter from your landlord giving permission for you to apply for a pavement licence. Barnab provides a simple template you can use.

It depends on the council. Pavement licences are typically valid for between 6 months and 2 years. You will need to renew before expiry to continue using the pavement for outdoor seating.

Yes. You need to submit a renewal application before your current licence expires. Renewal fees are usually cheaper than the initial application, typically between £100 and £400 depending on your council.

No. Placing furniture on a public pavement without a valid pavement licence is illegal and can result in the council removing your furniture and issuing fines. You must have a licence in place before placing any furniture on the pavement.

You must leave a minimum of 2 metres of clear, unobstructed pavement for pedestrian access. Some councils require more depending on the location. Your layout plan must clearly show this clearance.

If your premises licence already covers alcohol sales, you may need to ensure it includes off-premises supply to cover the pavement area. A pavement licence alone does not authorise alcohol sales - check your premises licence conditions or speak to Barnab for guidance.

No. Pavement licences only apply to furniture placed on public highways and pavements owned by the council. If your outdoor area is on private land (such as a courtyard or private forecourt), you do not need a pavement licence, though you may need landlord permission and planning consent.