Street café licence
If you wish to place tables and chairs outside your premises on a public pavement, you will need to apply for a street café licence.This is a requirement under section 115E of the 1980 Highways Act and is designed to ensure cafés operate safely and attractively, without interfering with other legitimate uses of the street.
Operating a street café without permission is unlawful.
Planning permission may be required for the use or for any ancillary works and this must be clarified with the Local Planning Authority for the area. Contact your Local Planning Authority if you are in any doubt as to whether permission is required.
Public Liability Insurance of £5 million is required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the conditions for placing tables and chairs outside premises?
The conditions are detailed in our standard conditions and a copy can be obtained by using the link to the application information in the related documents section on this page.
How much does a street cafe licence cost?
The initial street café licence will cost £300 for up to six seats with an additional £50 per seat per primary application and a renewal fee of 50 per cent of the primary licence fee. These fees will be non-returnable.
How long does a licence last for?
A licence will last 12 months from the date agreed between the council and licensee. A licence can be renewed for a further 12 months by submitting a renewal application.
How long does it take to process a street cafe licence?
Eight weeks are required to process a licence from receipt of a valid application.
How can I check if a premise has a valid licence?
You can check if a business has a valid street café licence by contacting Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.
How can I make a complaint regarding a street café?
Any complaints about the location or safety of a street café should be promptly reported to Call Derbyshire 08 456 058 058.
Related documents
The following documents are in Word format. You can download the Word software for free from the Word viewer page (opens in a new window) of the Microsoft website.
- Conditions - Pavement Cafes (67KB)
- Application under section 115e of Highways Act 1980 for pavement cafe licence (60KB)
Information on other websites
- Business Link - application for a permit to place tables and chairs on the pavement or road under Highways Act 1980, Section 115B /115E (opens in a new window)
- Business Link - application to change a permit to place tables and chairs on the pavement or road under Highways Act 1980, Section 115B /115E (opens in a new window)