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Pavement Licence
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Want to serve food or drinks outside your premises on a public pavement? You’ll need a Pavement Licence to place tables and chairs on the pavement legally.
Want to serve food or drinks outside your premises on a public pavement? You’ll need a Pavement Licence to place tables and chairs on the pavement legally.
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We handle the hard parts so you can focus on your business.
We handle the hard parts so you can focus on your business.
About
A Pavement Licence allows you to place furniture like tables, chairs, or barriers on the pavement outside your business.
It’s a legal requirement if you want to serve customers outdoors on a public pavement.
Can you tell me the name of your business?
Yucatan Cafe
Perfect.
Please list all the street furniture you wish to place on the pavement.
3 tables and 6 chairs
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About Pavement Licence
What is a
Pavement Licence?
What is a
Pavement Licence?
What is a Pavement Licence?
A Pavement Licence allows you to place furniture like tables, chairs, or barriers on the pavement outside your business.
It’s a legal requirement if you want to serve customers outdoors on a public pavement.
A Pavement Licence allows you to place furniture like tables, chairs, or barriers on the pavement outside your business.
It’s a legal requirement if you want to serve customers outdoors on a public pavement.
This licence is perfect for:
This licence is perfect for:
Cafés, restaurants, or pubs with outdoor space
Businesses wanting to increase capacity
Using public pavement for customer seating
Simple as That
Let us guide you
Step-by-step: how your Pavement Licence application works with Barnab
Chat, Not Forms
Your Draft, Done Right
Submit Promptly
Pavement Licence Application
Key Information
Here’s what you need to know about the whole process
Key Information
Time for licence grant
4-5 weeks
Licence duration
6-24 months
Time to prepare documents
2-3 days
Barnab assistance fee
£300 + VAT
Council fee (location dependent)
£100-£500
What do you need to provide?
You need to gather the following documents for the application:
Requirements
Public Liability Insurance
A copy of a current certificate of insurance that covers public liability risks, to a minimum value of £5 million.
Photos of Street Furniture
Show what you’ll place outside — e.g. chairs, tables, barriers, plants and heaters. Photos can be taken from the internet if you haven’t purchased them yet.
Location Plan or Sketch
The sketch must show the dimensions of the area, layout and measurements of the tables and chairs, as well as the distance to the end of the pavement area (min 2 metres).
Landlord Consent Letter
If you don’t own the premises, you will need a short letter from your landlord giving permission to use the pavement. Template available in the portal.
How the process works
Step by step guide to get you through the application process.
Step 1 - Answer
Get the application
form ready via chat
Instead of long confusing forms, we guide you through a simple, conversational chat.
Step 2 - Upload
Submit supporting files to complete the application
We tell you which files you need to submit and review them.
Step 3 - Generate
Generate your
application pack
We generate your application forms and premises plan to make sure you are 100% ready for submission.
We have impactful numbers
Here’s what we’ve achieved for businesses just like yours - and we’re just getting started.
1500+
Customers satisfied since launch
£1M
In costs saved for the applicants
350
Councils we work with
150%
Company growth
Other like you love us
Here’s what we’ve achieved for businesses just like yours - and we’re just getting started.
From the application to submission everything was flawless. We got our licence without hassle. I highly recommend Barnab. Thank you so much.
JS
Jennifer Smith
I had a great experience with Barnab. They took all the stress out of a process I had been dreading. Highly recommend them to anyone going through the application process.
SM
Sophie Morrison
From the application to submission everything was flawless. We got our licence without hassle. I highly recommend Barnab. Thank you so much.
TF
Tobias Farrow
I can’t recommend Barnab highly enough. Our application approved in just a few weeks, with full support and guidance throughout. Super efficient, cost-effective, and seamless.
PM
Paolo M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Something’s not clear? You will find an answer below!
FAQ
What is a pavement licence?
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.
Do I need a pavement licence to put tables and chairs outside my café?
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.
How much does a pavement licence cost?
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.
How long does it take to prepare my application?
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.
What documents do I need for a pavement licence application?
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.
Do I need public liability insurance for a pavement licence?
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.
What's the council's fee?
It depends on your local council, but it's usually around £100–£500. Barnab will let you know what applies in your area.
What if I haven't bought the furniture yet?
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.
How should I draw the layout plan?
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.
What happens after I submit the application?
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.
Do I need landlord permission?
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.
How long is a pavement licence valid for?
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.
Can I renew my pavement licence?
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.
Can I put tables and chairs outside without a licence?
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.
How much clear pavement do I need to leave for pedestrians?
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.
Can I serve alcohol in my outdoor pavement area?
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.
Do I need a pavement licence if the land is privately owned?
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.
Choose plan
Pavement Licence Application
If you are a cafe, bar or a restaurant and you want to place furniture on the pavement.
Personal Licence Application
If you are looking to be responsible for alcohol sales in a business.
Personal & Premises Licence Application
For business owners who need to sell alcohol. We handle your personal and premises licence applications.
Total
£300
+ VAT
No complicated forms
100% accurate and hassle-free
Would you like to speak to us?
Choose a time, and we will give you a callback for a free 10-minute consultation!
Pavement Licence Application
Key Information
Here’s what you need to know about the whole process
Key Information
Time for licence grant
4-5 weeks
Licence duration
6-24 months
Time to prepare documents
2-3 days
Barnab assistance fee
£300 + VAT
Council fee (location dependent)
£100-£500
What do you need to provide?
You need to gather the following documents for the application:
Requirements
Public Liability Insurance
A copy of a current certificate of insurance that covers public liability risks, to a minimum value of £5 million.
Photos of Street Furniture
Show what you’ll place outside — e.g. chairs, tables, barriers, plants and heaters. Photos can be taken from the internet if you haven’t purchased them yet.
Location Plan or Sketch
The sketch must show the dimensions of the area, layout and measurements of the tables and chairs, as well as the distance to the end of the pavement area (min 2 metres).
Landlord Consent Letter
If you don’t own the premises, you will need a short letter from your landlord giving permission to use the pavement. Template available in the portal.
How the process works
Step by step guide to get you through the application process.
Step 1 - Answer
Get the application
form ready via chat
Instead of long confusing forms, we guide you through a simple, conversational chat.
Step 2 - Upload
Submit supporting files to complete the application
We tell you which files you need to submit and review them.
Step 3 - Generate
Generate your
application pack
We generate your application forms and premises plan to make sure you are 100% ready for submission.
We have impactful numbers
Here’s what we’ve achieved for businesses just like yours - and we’re just getting started.
1500+
Customers satisfied since launch
£1M
In costs saved for the applicants
350
Councils we work with
150%
Company growth
Other like you love us
Here’s what we’ve achieved for businesses just like yours - and we’re just getting started.
From the application to submission everything was flawless. We got our licence without hassle. I highly recommend Barnab. Thank you so much.
JS
Jennifer Smith
I had a great experience with Barnab. They took all the stress out of a process I had been dreading. Highly recommend them to anyone going through the application process.
SM
Sophie Morrison
From the application to submission everything was flawless. We got our licence without hassle. I highly recommend Barnab. Thank you so much.
TF
Tobias Farrow
I can’t recommend Barnab highly enough. Our application approved in just a few weeks, with full support and guidance throughout. Super efficient, cost-effective, and seamless.
PM
Paolo M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Something’s not clear? You will find an answer below!
FAQ
What is a pavement licence?
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.
Do I need a pavement licence to put tables and chairs outside my café?
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.
How much does a pavement licence cost?
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.
How long does it take to prepare my application?
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.
What documents do I need for a pavement licence application?
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.
Do I need public liability insurance for a pavement licence?
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.
What's the council's fee?
It depends on your local council, but it's usually around £100–£500. Barnab will let you know what applies in your area.
What if I haven't bought the furniture yet?
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.
How should I draw the layout plan?
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.
What happens after I submit the application?
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.
Do I need landlord permission?
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.
How long is a pavement licence valid for?
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.
Can I renew my pavement licence?
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.
Can I put tables and chairs outside without a licence?
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.
How much clear pavement do I need to leave for pedestrians?
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.
Can I serve alcohol in my outdoor pavement area?
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.
Do I need a pavement licence if the land is privately owned?
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.
Choose plan
Pavement Licence Application
If you are a cafe, bar or a restaurant and you want to place furniture on the pavement.
Personal Licence Application
If you are looking to be responsible for alcohol sales in a business.
Personal & Premises Licence Application
For business owners who need to sell alcohol. We handle your personal and premises licence applications.
Total
£300
+ VAT
Would you like to speak to us?
Choose a time, and we will give you a callback for a free 10-minute consultation!
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Contact email: licensing@barnab.xyz
Contact email: licensing@barnab.xyz
Contact email: licensing@barnab.xyz