Street trading licences
Pavement licence
A pavement licence allows cafes, pubs, bars or restaurants to place tables, chairs and other removable furniture on a public pavement outside their premises.
Apply for a new pavement licence
In 2020, through the Business and Planning Act, the government introduced temporary permission to place furniture such as tables and chairs on the highway. This type of permission, a pavement licence, is in place until 30 September 2024.
Pavement licence terms
The pavement licence costs £100. You need to pay when you apply.
If we grant you a licence, it will be subject to our standard terms and conditions. A licence, if granted, must:
- make sure furniture does not obstruct the pavement or road
- have a minimum passing width of 1.5m (2m is preferable)
- not stop access for essential work to take place, for example, work by water, gas, electricity or communications networks
- make sure there is enough space for non-smokers
How to apply
Before you apply, make sure you have the following supporting documents:
- evidence of public liability insurance for a minimum of £5 million
- location details
- a site plan to scale
- images of the furniture you want to place outside your premises
What happens next
There is a 7-day public consultation starting the day after you apply. This involves displaying a notice in the window of your premises advertising your application.
We will let you know our decision within 14 days. We'll grant your licence if we do not contact you within this time.
There is no right of appeal if we refuse to grant a licence.
Existing pavement cafe or tables and chairs licences
Premises with tables and chairs permits issued under the Highways Act 1980 are still valid.
You can use the application process under the Business and Planning Act 2020 to extend or add new areas for tables, chairs or other furniture.
You can apply for the new pavement licence instead of your existing licence permission.
The temporary pavement licence period ends on 30 September 2024. You must make a new application if you let your existing licensing permission lapse. You cannot apply for a renewal.
This process may require new planning permission and will be longer and potentially more expensive than retaining and renewing your existing licence.
Renew a pavement licence
If your pavement licence is due to expire, you can use our online form to renew and pay for a new one. A renewal costs £100.
There is a 7-day public consultation starting the day after you apply. This involves displaying a notice in the window of your premises advertising your application.
If we receive an objection, we have another 7 days to decide. If granted, the renewed licence lasts until 30 September 2024.
You must apply for a new licence if you want to make changes. This includes changing:
- area you want licensed
- hours you want to use the area
- type of furniture, or adding more
- name or address of the licence holder
Current applications
When businesses apply for temporary pavement licences, the application will appear below during the 7-day consultation period.
Name: Old London Road Cafe
Address: 52 Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6QF
Type of application: New
Deadline for representations: 28 March 2024
Name: Hache Brasserie
Address: 5 Riverside Walk, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1QN
Type of application: New
Deadline for representations: 29 March 2024
Name: Marna Coffee
Address: 50 Wheatfield Way, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2BJ
Type of application: New
Deadline for representations: 29 March 2024