Using the pavement outside your business

Pavement café permit

You must get permission from us before placing tables, chairs or other seating on the pavement outside your business. This applies to cafés, restaurants, bars and similar premises.

You can apply for a pavement café permit using our occupation of a road form. You must include a simple plan showing where the furniture will go.

How to apply

To apply, you must:

complete the occupation of a road form
include a simple plan showing the layout and location of tables and chairs

Other permissions you may need

Depending on your plans, you may also need:

planning permission if you are changing how the space is used
food business registration if you prepare or serve food
a premises licence if you plan to sell alcohol

We will tell you if these are required when we assess your application.

How we assess your application

We will review your application before granting permission. We check that your plans:

keep the pavement safe and accessible
do not block pedestrians
are suitable for the location

Permission is not automatic.

If you have not heard from us within 28 days, contact us for an update.

Costs

pavement café permit: free
planning application (if required): £401
premises licence: £172 for three years

Objecting to applications

You cannot object to permission to use the pavement or the pavement café permit itself.

You can object to:

You can submit comments through our planning or licensing pages.

What to do next

apply for a pavement café permit
check if you need planning or licensing approval
contact us if you need advice