Street café licence

A street café licence allows cafés, pubs or restaurants to sell food and place tables, chairs or furniture on a public pavement.

Unlicensed street cafés will face enforcement action.

Seated areas on non-highway land or other courtyard areas do not need a licence.

A further application would be required to alter any aspect of the street café layout or operation once a licence has been issued.

Applying for a licence

You can apply online for a street café licence. The process will take about three months if no objections are received. If there are objections, it could take up to six months. Licences are valid for a year.

Apply for a street café licence

To help you apply, there are street café guidance notes available here.

Licence costs

Application fee:

  • Up to 5 tables or Up to 10m2 - £309.82 plus works costs
  • Over 5 tables or Over 10 m2 - £557.90 plus works costs

Note £98.78 of the application fee is non-refundable.

Annual renewal fee:

  • Up to 5 tables or Up to 10m2 - £80.82
  • Over 5 tables or Over 10 m2 - £142.56