Pavement licence

Pavement licensing was introduced under The Business and Planning Act 2020 as part of the government emergency response to the COVID pandemic.

It is a simplified and fast-track route for pubs, restaurants, and cafes to obtain temporary permission to place removable furniture including outdoor tables and seating on the highway, allowing them to increase their outdoor capacity safely, quickly and at a low cost.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 makes the provisions set out in the Business and Planning Act (BPA) 2020 permanent. This permanent regime retains the key features of the 2020 legislation, intended to streamline processing and reduce costs, but also incorporates some changes to ensure the model’s long-term sustainability.

Fees

• New licence £402
• Licence renewal £304

How to apply

You will need to send us the following:

• A photograph of the premises clearly showing the area of the pavement you intend to use
• A copy of your public liability insurance certificate
• A dimensioned plan clearly showing the proposed area covered by the licence in relation to the highway, where you intend to place the pavement furniture. Please ensure the distances between tables is clearly labelled
• Details of the furniture you intend to use including umbrellas, heaters, barriers and planters. For example, photographs, website image, brochure, etc

Apply online

Pavement licensing policy

• Pavement licence policy (pdf 373KB)

Find out more

If you have any questions contact our licensing team:

• Email licensing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk