Pavement licence

Under Schedule 22 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, you will need a pavement licence if your business

• sells food or drink and;
• you want to place removable furniture on the highway outside your premises during your normal trading hours

You need to read and understand the requirements set out on this page before you submit an application for a licence. We cannot proceed with your application unless you give us all the information we need. 

You should talk to neighbouring businesses and occupiers about your intention to apply for a pavement licence. You need to take into consideration any issues they raise about noise, nuisance or related concerns when you submit your application. 

Pavement licences cost £500 when first granted and £350 upon renewal.  

To apply for a pavement licence, we require:

• details of the premises and the area which will be used for the pavement licence  
• a description of the items being proposed for the area and their use - details of any serving tables, shelving units, counters etc. should be detailed
• the days and times in the week that the pavement licence will be used for
• details of the type of furniture (tables, chairs, umbrellas etc.) which will be used in the area - please include photographs or brochures of these 
• proof of £5m public liability insurance which clearly shows that the area designated for the pavement licence is fully insured  
• details of how you will make sure the area is safe and accessible e.g. barriers with tapping rails for the visually impaired
• any other information we request to support your application  

Consultation

There is a 14-day consultation period for the grant of a new pavement licence. Applicants are required to display a notice at the premises for the duration of the consultation. This notice must be clearly visible to members of the public. 

Please refer to the guidance notes on this page for further information.

All applications will be considered on their own merits. 

Valid applications will be referred to relevant departments within the council such as:

• Avon and Somerset Constabulary
• Avon Fire and Rescue
• the appropriate town or local parish council
• any other agencies deemed appropriate for comment 

If we do not receive any objections during the 14-day consultation period we will issue your licence. This will be valid for 2 years unless we specifically state a shorter period. 

If we receive any objections, our Licensing Team will make a decision after considering all objections. Guidance will be given to applicants if other options are available.