Customer Access Point, Stowmarket, closed
Due to unforeseen circumstances the Customer Access Point in Stowmarket is currently closed.
For any queries please phone Customer Services on 0300 123 4000 or visit one of our other Customer Access Points
Pavement licences
What is a pavement licence?
You must have a valid pavement licence if you have a business selling food and drink.
Pavement licences are valid for two years.
Businesses that can apply for a licence include:
- public houses
- cafes, bars and restaurants
- snack bars and coffee shops
- ice cream shops
- some entertainment venues that sell food and drink
Furniture that you can licence must be removable, and related to serving, selling or consuming food or drink.
This includes:
- counters or stalls for selling or serving food or drink
- tables, counters or shelves to place food or drink
- chairs, benches, or other forms of seating
- umbrellas, barriers, heaters and other furniture related to outdoor consumption of food or drink
If you want to add permanent furniture to the highway, you must apply for permission under the Business and Planning Act 2020.
Apply for a pavement licence
Before you apply, you should read our pavement licence guidance and conditions
As part of your application, you will need to provide:
- a plan that shows the location of the premises, outlined by a red line
- a plan that shows the proposed area and furniture covered by the licence, in relation to the highway. This must be to scale, or else measurements must be included
- pictures that show the proposed types of furniture
- full measurements for all furniture you are using
- information that shows how the furniture will be placed within the area
- evidence of consent from neighbouring frontage(s) to use footway space outside their property (if applicable)
- evidence that you have provided a public notice of the application
- a copy of your public liability insurance, with a minimum cover of £5 million
- the application fee
You must also display a public notice in a prominent position next to the highway.
During this process, we have up to 28 days to make a decision about an application. This includes a mandatory 14 day public consultation period.
Application fees
The fee for a new pavement licence is £500 for first time applications.
The fee for a renewal is £350.