Cafe Pavement Licence Policy

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected businesses across the economy causing many to cease trading for several months while others have had to significantly modify their operations.

As the economy starts to re-open, on 25 June 2020 the Government announced a further and urgent relaxation to planning and licensing laws to help the hospitality industry recover from the coronavirus lockdown by removing short term obstacles that could get in their way.

The Business and Planning Act makes it easier for premises serving food and drink such as bars, restaurants and pubs, as lockdown restrictions are lifted but social distancing guidelines remain in place to seat and serve customers outdoors through temporary changes to planning procedures and alcohol licensing.

The measures included in the Act modify provisions in the Licensing Act 2003 to provide automatic extensions to the terms of on-sales alcohol licences to allow for off-sales. It will be a temporary measure to boost the economy, with provisions lasting until the end of September 2021.

The Act also introduces a temporary fast-track process for these businesses to obtain permission, in the form of a "pavement licence", from the South Ribble Council for the placement of furniture such as tables and chairs on the pavement outside their premise which will enable them to maximise their capacity whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Currently, tables and chairs permissions are granted as Pavement licences by Lancashire County Council, the Highways Authority, under Part 7A of the Highways Act 1980. The fee varies between local authorities and there is a time consuming 28-day consultation period.

The new temporary measure places a cap on the application fee for businesses, and introduces a new 14-day determination period, ensuring that businesses can obtain licences in a timely and cost-effective manner aiding to their financial recovery.