Apply for a licence to place tables and chairs on the pavement
Due to recent Ofcom changes, post may take longer than usual to reach us.
Please send postal applications in good time or apply online where possible.
Information about the older-type Highways Act 1980 pavement café licence
Since 31 March 2024, food and drink businesses have not been able to apply for this type of licence. The licence previously allowed removable furniture to be placed on the highway.
If you have a Highways Act licence that expired on 1 March 2025
If your licence expired on 1 March 2025 and you wish to continue using a pavement licence area, you must apply for a licence under the current pavement licensing regime.
If you have any questions please contact us.
If you wish to object to any of the current applications, please email us.
An application has been made to place tables and chairs on the public highway.
Area of highway to be occupied: 0.6 metres by 1 metre.
An application has been made to place tables and chairs on the public highway.
Area of highway to be occupied: 14 metres by 4 metres.
Proposed operating hours of pavement licence: 0800 - 00.00 hours.
If you wish to place tables and chairs on the pavement, you will need to obtain a Pavement Licence from us.
If you wish to serve alcohol, you may also need a new premises licence or a variation to your existing licence.
The pavement and licences guidance note explains the application process and requirements in detail.
The fee for applying for a new licence is £500. The fee for renewing a licence is £350. If your application is not successful, then you will be refunded the Part B fee:
| Pavement Licence (Issued for a maximum of 2 years) | Part A (Application Fee) | Part B (Trading fee) | Total fee (2 year licence) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New application | £250 | £250 | £500 |
| Renewal application | £100 | £250 | £350 |
What do you need to include with your application form?
Plan of the proposed area
Description of the proposed furniture (photos can be included)
Copy of your public liability insurance certificate
Photo of the public notice displayed on your premises
The process will take a total of 28 days.
Applicants will need to post a notice on their premises on the day they submit their application to the local authority. The notice must be easily visible to the public and you must ensure it remains in place for the duration of the public consultation period, which is a period of 14 days beginning with the day after the day the application is submitted to the authority. When counting ‘days’ public holidays are not included.
The Council will then consider any objections received and will determine the application within 14 days of the end of the consultation period.
Please note, that if you have an existing licence, you must apply for your renewal at least 28 days prior to the expiry date to ensure continued use of the area. The Council is not required to send a reminder letter and it is your responsibility to ensure you renew on time to prevent the licence from lapsing.
In most cases we will grant new licences for two years. In some cases, we will grant a licence for a shorter period. We will discuss this with you if it applies to your application.
You must adhere to the national and local conditions attached to your licence.
Please note that we may impose additional conditions if we consider it appropriate to do so. These may include restricting the operational hours and/or licence period requested.
In determining an application, we will consider that there is enough room on the pavement for pedestrian access, including wheelchair users and pram access, and that there is adequate emergency access. We will take into account feedback from the Highways Authority, Environmental Health, Licensing, Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service as well as any other service or organisation if we feel it is appropriate. We will also publish details of the application on our website and invite feedback from members of the public.