Pavement licences
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 makes permanent the provisions set out in the Business and Planning Act (BPA) 2020 that streamlined the process to allow businesses to secure these licences quickly.
A pavement licence is a licence granted by West Suffolk Council which authorises a business to place removable furniture over certain highways and pavements adjacent to the premises to sell or serve food or drink and allow it to be used by people for consumption of food and drink supplied from, or in connection with the use of the premises.
These licences will allow eligible businesses to attract more customers and increase trade, subject to national and local set conditions.
Where a pavement licence is granted, clear access routes on the highway will need to be maintained, considering the needs of all users, including disabled people.
Who needs to apply?
A business which uses (or proposes to use) premises for the sale of food or drink for consumption (on or off the premises) can apply for a licence. Businesses that are eligible include: public houses, cafes, bars, restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops, and ice cream parlours including where such uses form an ancillary aspect of another use, for example supermarkets, or entertainment venues which sell food and drink.
Permitted furniture
The furniture which may be used is:
- counters or stalls for selling or serving food or drink
- tables, counters or shelves on which food or drink can be placed
- chairs, benches or other forms of seating, and
- umbrellas, barriers, heaters and other articles used in connection with the outdoor consumption of food or drink.
This furniture is required to be removable. Removable means it is not a permanent fixed structure, and is able to be moved easily, and stored away for the evening.
Exclusions
Licences can only be granted in respect of highways listed in section 115A(1) Highways Act 1980. Generally, these are footpaths restricted to pedestrians or are roads and places to which vehicle access is restricted or prohibited. Highways maintained by Network Rail or over the Crown land are exempt (so a licence cannot be granted).
Licence period
Pavement licences will ordinarily be granted for a period of two years unless there are good reasons for granting a licence for a shorter period such as plans for future changes in use of road space.
Guidance
The full government guidance on pavement licences can be found: GOV.UK - Pavement licences guidance
How to apply
All applications must be submitted electronically by completing the pavement licence application form in full.
Pavement licence application form
Please see the West Suffolk Council Pavement licence guidance document for more information on the application process.
For more information, please contact the licensing team:
Email: licensing@westsuffolk.gov.uk
Phone: 01284 758050