Apply for a pavement licence to put tables and chairs on the public highway

You'll need a licence to put removable tables and chairs on the public highway so your business can sell food and drink.

A pavement licence costs £100, and must be paid when you submit your application.

You can apply for a licence if you:

• do not operate later than 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 11pm Friday and Saturday
• have public liability insurance of £5 million
• have the necessary permission if you intend to sell alcohol
• ensure that clear access routes on the highway are maintained

You should review our standard conditions of licence before applying. We're only able to accept applications submitted electronically.

A new application will need to be made each year as there is no renewal process for existing licences.

If you want to put tables and chairs out in a parking bay, as well as a pavement licence you'll also need to apply for a parking bay suspension. This is an additional process with separate fees.

You can view summaries of current applications online.

For details relating to specific applications, email your request to [email protected].

Representations concerning any application must be submitted within 7 days of the date of the application.

We will tell you whether your application is successful within 28 days of applying for the licence.

Once we receive your application we'll:

• send you a public notice to display at your premises for 7 days, for which you'll be asked to provide photographic evidence
• send a copy of your application to the Highways Service, Thames Valley Police, Planning, Environmental Health and any other party we consider is appropriate
• use any feedback we receive after 7 days to consider your application, and notify you of our final decision within the following 7 days

We may grant or reject your application, but if granted, we may make changes or add conditions to the permitted purposes or area to be used.

We'll issue granted licences electronically and these will be subject to the council’s standard conditions.

You do not have a statutory right of appeal against a decision of the council under this act. You can challenge the decision through a legal route in the courts which is called a judicial review.

We also operate a compliments, feedback and complaints policy.

You can read further guidance provided by the government:

• inclusive mobility
• information to accompany your pavement licensing
• reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, in the workplace
• information about licensing of outdoor drinking and dining

If you need any help or support with your application, email [email protected].