Temporary pavement licence

The pavement licence application process is usually shorter than the tables and chairs permit. The pavement licence also removes the need to obtain planning consent or street trading consent for the activities and things it permits. The scheme has been extended until the end of September 2023.

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

There are no applications at the moment open to public consultation.

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.

• Application Form - Pavement Licence

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 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 seven day consultation period (not including public holidays) 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 seven days (not including public holidays) 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 12 months (or until 30 September 2023, whichever is soonest) subject to the standard conditions detailed in our pavement licensing policy.

We will grant a licence up to one year, with an expiry date of no later than 30 September 2023. If your licence is due to expire, you must make a new application at least 14 days (not including public holidays) 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 or table and chairs permit

If you don't have a pavement licence or tables and chairs permit, you are at risk of enforcement action, prosecution and a fine up to £1000. Hampshire County Council's highways department enforces this.