Businesses need a pavement licence to place removable furniture, such as tables and chairs, on the pavement outside their premises for customers to eat or drink.
A pavement licence only applies to furniture placed on the public highway.
Who can apply
You can apply if you run a business that sells food or drink for customers to eat or drink at your premises. This includes cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs.
What you can use a pavement licence for
A pavement licence allows you to put removable furniture on the pavement outside your premises. This can include:
- tables and chairs
- barriers
- umbrellas
You must keep the pavement clear and safe for everyone, including disabled people.
Read the pavement licence guidance on the GOV.UK website.
How to apply
To apply for a pavement licence, you will need to:
- complete the application form
- provide any supporting documents
- pay the fee of £100
We will tell you what supporting documents you need when you apply.
Contact us for an application form.
Email (Allerdale): [email protected]
Email (Carlisle): [email protected]
Email (Copeland): [email protected]
Displaying a notice
After you apply, you must display a notice at your premises so that it is visible and can be read easily by members of the public.
You must:
- use the licence notice template
- display it the day after you apply
- keep it in place for 7 days
What happens after you apply
Your application will be open to public consultation for 7 days. We will then have a further 7 days to make a decision.
If we do not make a decision in this time, your licence is 'deemed granted'.
There is no right of appeal if your application is refused.
Conditions you must follow
All pavement licences include standard conditions. You must follow these conditions or your licence may be suspended or revoked.
Conditions include making sure:
- furniture is safe and suitable for public use
- you keep clear access for all pavement users, including disabled people
- the area is kept clean and does not cause a nuisance
We will send you the full conditions when you apply.