Tables and chairs on the highway

For the licensing and regulation of tables and chairs placed on the public highway.

The Highways Act 1980 S115E regulates tables and chairs permits. You will need a permit if you would like to place tables and chairs on the public highway.

You may also need to get planning permission. Contact our Planning Department for more details.

How to apply

You can apply online for a tables and chairs permit using the GOV.UK website. 

 Apply online - Apply for a tables and chairs permit

To do this you will need to use Adobe Reader 8.1 or above.  Download the latest version of Adobe Reader.

Or you can download the application form below, complete it and return it to us.

 Download - apply for a tables and chairs permit [626kb] 

You need to supply: 

• Completed application form
• Location and site layout plan 
• Sketch, photograph or manufacturer's brochure showing the furniture proposed 
• Public liability insurance certificate (minimum of £10million cover) 
• Risk assessment 
• Evidence of Planning consent (optional).
• Written consent of adjacent owners / occupiers (optional) 
• Premises licence if alcohol is to be consumed 
• The fee of £187

Inspections and assessments

We will visit the location where you hope to site the furniture to make sure there is not a problem

What happens next?

We will consider each application on its own merits. We will look at:

• The available space
• The type and character of the street 
• The kind of furniture proposed 
• The flow of pedestrians 
• Any possible hazards

As part of the application:

• We will display a public notice of the application detailing the proposal and deadline for objections, which is 28 days after the application was submitted 
• All objections received will be considered 
• Any other relevant parties will be consulted 
• Consents will not be unreasonably withheld

All furniture must meet  design specifications [146kb].

How to appeal

Please contact us in the first instance. We may be able to help.

We can also ask an independent arbitrator to check if our decision was fair.

How to renew

Permits are valid for 1 year and to renew you must apply again.

How to tell us of changes

You must tell us if there are changes in the type, style and number of items you are placing on the highway, or if the details of the permit holder change.

You can tell us of changes online using the GOV.UK website. Clicking on the link below will take you to their site:

Apply online - Tell us about a change in circumstances 

Customer complaints

If you have a complaint against a trader, we advise you contact them by letter (with proof of delivery) or complain to us, using the contact details on the right.

In addition if you are in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice.

For outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Offences

If you don't have a tables and chairs permit, you are at risk of enforcement action, prosecution and a fine up to £1000. This is enforced by Hampshire County Council Highways Department.