Pavement Cafe Licence
The Business and Planning Act 2020 was enacted by the Government in an attempt to restart the British economy due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Act introduced a range of new measures to help businesses to quickly adjust and adapt to the 'new normal'. The Act introduced a new Pavement Cafe Licensing regime.
Licence to Put Tables and Chairs on the Street or Pavement
If a pub, bar, restaurant or cafe would like to have seating for customers outside of their property and on a public highway then they must have a licence to do so. A public highway includes roads, pavements and verges.
Why a Licence is Needed?
A licence is required to make sure that enough space is available for the safe and free movement of all people using the highway. It also considers any possible noise disturbance for nearby residents and business owners.
Determining a Licence Application
Pavement licences are considered on a case‐by‐case basis and will be determined based on four criteria:
- Clear routes of access ‐ it is a condition that clear routes of access along the highway must be maintained, taking into account the needs of disabled people, and the recommended minimum footway widths and distances required for access by mobility impaired and visually impaired people.
- Public health and safety - for example, ensuring that the use conforms with latest guidance on social distancing and any reasonable crowd management measures needed as a result of a licence being granted and businesses reopening.
- Public amenity - will the proposed use create nuisance to neighbouring occupiers by generating anti‐social behaviour and litter; and
- Accessibility - taking a proportionate approach to considering the nature of the site in relation to which the application for a licence is made, its surroundings and its users.
How to Apply
This Council has delegated this new licensing function to Lincolnshire County Council. With this in mind anybody wishing to apply for a Pavement Cafe Licence is directed to Lincolnshire County Council. The County Council has a webpage for this licensing function:
https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/licences-permits/apply-street-cafe-licence
Further Information
A licence is only required if you are seeking to place tables and chairs on the public highway. A licence is not required if tables and chairs are to be located in a private area that is part of the pub / café (for example a beer garden).
View current applications
Information regarding current licence applications can be viewed at:
https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/council-business/public-notices/1