This licence type enables furniture to be placed on a pavement, such as tables and chairs, which may only be used for the sale or consumption of food or drink from that premises. The types of business that may apply for a pavement licence are restricted to pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, or other similar premises.
A Pavement Licence may only be used to licence removal furniture. Fixed furniture or A-boards may not be licensed by a pavement licence.
How to apply
The different types of application are specified below.
Please download and complete the relevant form, then save and send via email to licensing@merton.gov.uk. The application must comprise of a completed application form, fee, copy of current public liability insurance, a photograph of the consultation notice correctly filled in and displayed, and any other supporting documents that are required.
You must pay the required fee when submitting an application. This is non-refundable, and the application will not be progressed until the fee is received.
You may also pay by telephone on 020 8545 3969. To pay by bank transfer, please contact us for details.
The Councils Standard Conditions for Pavement Licences will be applied to all licences granted, unless a request is made, and granted, to remove a condition.
New applications
A new application is required in all cases where an existing licence is not held for the same premises by the person applying.
A Pavement Licence may not be transferred. Any person applying for a Pavement Licence other than the existing licence holder must apply for a new licence, even if no other changes are proposed to the current licence.
The application form should be fully completed and submitted with the documents requested on the application form.
New licences will normally be issued for a period of 12 months, starting from the date that the application is granted.
Fee - £500
Application form for a new pavement licence
Renewal applications
An existing licence holder may apply to renew a pavement licence. A renewal application can only be made to renew the licence on the same terms and conditions as previously granted. No changes to a licence may be requested on a renewal application. A licence holder wishing to make changes to an existing licence should use a variation application.
A renewed licence will normally be issued for a period of 12 months. That licence period will begin from expiry date of the licence being renewed.
Licence Holders are advised submit a renewal application at least 28 days before the expiry date of the existing licence to ensure that there is no period when the furniture being used is unlicensed.
Fee - £350
Application form to renew a pavement licence
Variation applications
Variation applications are applications submitted by an existing licence holder and are to request changes to the permission granted on an existing Pavement Licence for the premises.
If granted, a new licence will be issued and will specify a new licence period starting from the date the application is granted. This allows existing licence holders to use this process at any time during the licence period, or as an alternative to a renewal application.
The process and requirements for a variation are the same as for a new application, except that a new plan will only be required if the application seeks changes to the licensed area, including size of the area or the furniture to be used in the area. A new plan will not be required if no changes are proposed to the existing licensed area.
Fee - £350
Application form for a pavement licence variation
Application process
On the first day the application is received it is checked to ensure it meets all requirements. If it does not, the application is rejected and sent back to the applicant detailing what is wrong.
If the application or renewal is valid, complete and paid for the public consultation will begin the day after initial receipt. This will run for 14 days, during which a site assessment will take place.
At the end of the consultation, a 14 day determination phase will begin, during which any representations are taken into account.
If there are reasons to refuse, the application will be refused and the applicant informed.
If the application can proceed a licence will be granted and the applicant informed. In some circumstances the licence may not be for all that was applied for.
If the licence is not determined within the 28 day process, the licence will be deemed granted.
Consultation and public notice
All applications, including renewals, will be subject to 14 day public consultation which begins on the day after an application is submitted (completed form and payment received). When counting ‘days’, public holidays are not included.
There is a legal requirement to place a clear public notice in an area easily visible to passers-by. You may use this Site Notice Template to assist you. Read the guidance on the first page of the notice for what to include.
Street trading licences
A business will not require a separate street trading licence for the furniture licensed by a Pavement Licence.
For businesses that wish to carry out trading activity on a highway, (including a pavement), and that activity cannot be licensed with a Pavement Licence, then a Street Trading Licence will be required.
Policy
Government guidance
GOV.UK guidance: pavement licences
Contact us
For any further queries, please get in touch with our licensing team at licensing@merton.gov.uk and we will respond to the enquiries as soon as we can.