Tables and chairs on the highway

You will need a licence if you would like to place tables and chairs or other related items on the public highway. 

The application process takes 28 days (not including public holidays), and the fee is £100.

If the licence is granted, it will last for up to 2 years.

Pavement licence

The pavement licence removes the need to obtain planning consent or street trading consent for the activities and things it permits.

You will need a pavement licence if you are a business which sells food or drink and:

• Are looking to place tables, chairs and other items on the public highway
• Are selling them to customers or your customers are consuming them immediately outside your business premises
• You do not have a tables and chairs permit under The Highways Act 1980

 The Business and Planning Act (Pavement Licence) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) 2022 regulates this.

Applications open to public consultation

• The Alexandra Hotel - Barrack Road, Aldershot - deadline for comments is 18 December

How to apply for a pavement licence

You can download the application form below, complete it and return it to us by email, using the details on this page.

• Pavement licence application form

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 £5 million cover)
• Evidence of your right to occupy the business premises (for example a lease)
• Evidence that you have displayed the pavement licence site notice at the premises (for example a photo)
• If you are applying for hours outside of 9am and 10pm, a noise management plan
• The fee of £100 (please call 01252 398855 to make payment by card)

Inspections and assessments

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

What happens once we receive your application

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
• Accessibility

As part of the application:

• All objections received within the fourteen day consultation period will be considered
• Any other relevant parties / authorities will be consulted
• Licences will not be unreasonably withheld

All furniture must meet the design specification detailed in our pavement licensing policy.

Applications will be determined within 14 days after the end of the consultation period. If an application is not determined within this time, the licence is granted as applied for, for a period of 24 months subject to the standard conditions detailed in our pavement licensing policy.

We will grant a licence for up to two years. If your licence is due to expire, you must make a new application at least 28 days before the expiry date.

How to tell us of changes

You must tell us if the details of the permit holder change. If you are proposing to make changes in the type, style and number of items you are placing on the highway, you must make a new application.

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 this page.

In addition if you are in the UK, Citizens Advice will give you advice.

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

If you don't have a pavement licence

If you don't have a pavement licence, you are at risk of enforcement action, including seizure of the furniture on the highway, and a requirement to pay associated costs.