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Pavement licences

Business and Planning Act 2020

The Business and Planning Act 2020 (opens new window) was granted Royal Assent on 22 July 2020 and took immediate effect. Since then, The Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into force on 22 July 2022. This act permits businesses to obtain a licence which can remain in place for a minimum period of 3 months or for a period not exceeding 30 September 2024 as the government has now extended this temporary legislation.

A pavement licence allows the licence-holder to place removable furniture over certain highways adjacent to the premises in relation to which the application was made.

This is a streamlined process to allow businesses to obtain a licence which can remain in place for a minimum period of 3 months or for a period not exceeding 30 September 2024. Where a pavement licence is granted, clear access routes on the highway will need to 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.

The government have produced some Guidance (opens new window) which provides some helpful information which we would recommend you having a read through.

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 this particular licence.

Premises who hold an existing Pavement Licence 

The Secretary of State has now used the enabling power in the Business and Planning Act 2020 to extend the duration of the temporary pavement licence provisions for 12 months to 30th September 2024. This means that businesses can now apply for a licence to be in place within this extended period, up to 30th September 2024.

If a premises holds an existing Pavement Licence, there is no option to renew this licence and it therefore expires on the 30 September 2023 (or otherwise, as stated on the granted Pavement Licence). Therefore, a new Pavement Licence Application must be made if a premises still wishes to place removable furniture over certain highways adjacent to the premises beyond 30 September 2023. This new/further licence will allow businesses to obtain a licence which can remain in place for a minimum period of 3 months or for a period not exceeding 30 September 2024.

Pavement Licence Application - Enquiry Letter (Word doc) [61KB]

P01 Application for a Pavement Licence (v7) (Word doc) [41KB]

P02 Notice for Pavement Licence (Word doc) [25KB]

Conditions for all Pavement Licences (Word doc) [94KB]