Pavement Café Licence

The Government has introduced temporary measures through the Business and Planning Act 2020 (opens in new window) to support businesses selling food and drink during the economic recovery while social distancing guidelines remain in place.

The Act streamlines the process of obtaining permission for the placing of tables and chairs on the highway, adjacent to your premises. 

Apply online

Apply for a Pavement Café Licence

Please complete the application form and email it to licensing@mansfield.gov.uk.

View the Standard Conditions (opens in new window)

Download a Template Site Notice (opens in new window)

Government Guidance on Pavement Café Licences (opens in new window)

Are you eligible?

A Pavement Licence is a licence granted by the local authority which allows the licence holder or premises owner to place removable furniture over certain highways adjacent to the premises in order to make it easier to serve food and drink from the premises, and help them maximise their capacity with outdoor tables and chairs.

Businesses that are eligible for this permission include those intending to use the premises for the sale of food or drink for consumption (on or off the premises). These include public houses, cafes, bars, restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops and ice cream parlours.

The furniture that may be used is:

  • Counters or stalls for selling food or drink
  • tables, counters or shelves on which food or drink can be placed
  • chairs, benches or other forms of seating, and;
  • umbrellas, barriers heaters and other articles used in connection with the outdoor consumption of food or drink.

Licences can only be granted in respect of highways listed in S115A(1) Highways Act 1980 (opens in a new window). Generally speaking, these are footpaths restricted to pedestrians or are roads and places to which vehicle access is restricted or prohibited. 

How we process your application

Once a properly completed application is submitted there is a 7-day consultation period beginning on the first day following the day on which the application was made. Applicants are required to display a public notice at their premises for a 7-day consultation period, beginning on the day following submission to the Council. Members of the public will be able to comment on the application.

The Council will also consult with other relevant authorities and display the application on the Councils website. Following the 7-day consultation period, there is a further 7-day determination period to consider any representations, recommendations or comments. Applicants will be notified of the Council’s decision following the determination.

The licence may be granted subject to the Councils Standard Conditions. There may also be additional conditions specific to the site, if appropriate. If the licence is refused, clear reasons will be provided.

How long is a Pavement Licence valid for?

Mansfield Council will issue Pavement Licences for a 12-month duration after which time they can be renewed.

How much does a Pavement Licence cost?

There will be a charge of £100 for a Pavement Licence Application.

Please note:

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.

It is a condition of the licence that a clear pedestrian route along the highway must be maintained at all times compliant with the current social distancing requirements and current social mobility requirements for pushchairs and wheelchair/mobility scooter users, which is no less than 2m wide and where there is high pedestrian footfall shall be no less than 2.5m. This distance shall be measured from the furthermost edge to the barrier to the nearest kerbside.

For further advice on Pavement Licensing please contact the Licensing team on 01623 463181 or email licensing@mansfield.gov.uk.

Pavement Café Licence applications

View recent Pavement Café Licence applications