Pavement licences

Business and Planning Act 2020 (as amended)

A pavement licence allows the licence holder to place removable furniture for the purpose of selling, serving or consuming food or drink over certain highways adjacent to the premises in relation to the application made.

A licence may only be granted in respect of highways listed in Section 115A(1) of the Highways Act 1980 (opens new window) Please check with Highways at West Sussex County Council if you are unsure whether the land which is the subject of any application constitutes part of the highway.  

The Business and Planning Act 2020 (opens new window) (as amended) was granted Royal Assent on 22 July 2020.  The act permits businesses to either apply for a new, or seek to renew, a pavement licence which can have effect for a minimum period of 3 months or for maximum period of 2 years.  The government has produced some guidance (opens new window)  which provides a wealth of helpful information.

The process of applying for a pavement licence includes a statutory 14 days' consultation period following which the Licensing Authority has 14 days to determine an application. 

Where a pavement licence is granted, clear access routes on the highway must be maintained, taking into account the needs of all users, including disabled people.

Businesses that are eligible include: public houses, cafes, bars, restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops and ice cream parlours.

Please see the enquiry letter which explains:

• the application process
• the P01 application form
• the P02 notice
• the conditions

In order to continue to support businesses, this Licensing Authority has determined not to charge for any pavement licences which are granted up to and including 30 September 2025.  These pavement licences will be for a 3 month period only, after which normal charges will apply.

PL1 - Pavement Licence Enquiry Letter (Word doc, 61 KB)

P01 - Pavement Licence Application Form (Word doc, 40 KB)

P02 - Pavement Licence Notice (Word doc, 28 KB)

Pavement Licence Conditions (Word doc, 97 KB)
 

Contact us 

For further information and advice email licensing@chichester.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can phone us on 01243 785166.