Applying for a Pavement Licence

Businesses that can apply for a pavement licence

You can apply for a business that uses or proposes to use premises for the sale of food or drink for consumption (on or off the premises) such as:

• public houses
• cafes
• bars
• restaurants
• snack bars
• coffee shops
• ice cream parlours.

Cost and length of licence

• First-time applications: £500
• Renewal: £350

A licence period runs for six months from the date it is granted.

Public consultation is not required for renewals.

How to apply

You will need: 

• name and address of premises
• name and address of licensee
• proof of public liability insurance for the sum of £5 million or more
• payment card details.

If you are applying for the the first time, or if you're applying for a renewal and there is a change to the area, premises or licensee, you must also: 

• send us a scaled plan (a drawing that shows real sizes made smaller) that clearly shows exactly where your tables and chairs will go
• the size of the tables and chairs
• the width of the pavement at its narrowest point
• how close the seating area is to the kerb
• all doors along your building’s frontage
• any nearby pavement features such as tree pits, lampposts, bins, benches, servicing cabinets and tactile paving (the bumpy paving that marks a crossing point)
• display a photo of the notice of application for pavement licence in windows of premises. Use the template in Appendix 1 of the pavement licence guidance (PDF).

You do not need special design software. A simple, clear drawing is fine, but it must show accurate measurements. If the plan does not correctly show the sizes and locations of the proposed seating area and nearby pavement features, we may need to ask you to send it again.

This helps us make sure that outdoor seating does not create problems for pedestrians walking or wheeling, including wheelchair users, pedestrians with mobility aids, Blind and Partially Sighted pedestrians, and pedestrians with prams or pushchairs.

Complete the online application form to apply. 

Apply now 

If you find it difficult to apply online, email: PavementTC&ALicence@islington.gov.uk.

Next steps

New licences

If you've given us the necessary documents and correct fee we will display a notice of your application for 14 days (not including public holidays) on our consultation pages. This is known as the consultation period.

At the end of the consultation period there will be another 14 days (not including public holidays) for us to consider any representations (comments and feedback) and decide whether or not to grant the licence.

Renewals

The licence will be processed within 14 days providing there are no changes and:

• we have received proof of Public Liability Insurance up to the value of £5 million
• you have adhered to the Pavement Licence conditions and we have no complaints to consider.

If we grant a licence, our compliance team will visit and ensure that your layout matches the plan and that the correct documents are available. If the layout is not as agreed, we will give you time to put things right before taking any further action.

If your application is rejected

There is no statutory appeal process against a decision to refuse an application.