Tables and chairs licences
Pavement Licence (Tables and chairs)
We issue temporary tables and chairs licences, known as Pavement Licences, for premises wishing to have outdoor seating and furniture placed on the highway.
Tables and chairs sited on the highway are licensed under the Business and Planning Bill 2020. Regulatory amendments that came into force on 10 August 2023 have further extended the existing Pavement Licence provisions until 30 September 2024.
Please note that a renewal option for Pavement Licences was not incorporated into the Business and Planning Act 2020, therefore, all current licence holders must apply for a new licence as it is not possible to renew.
In exercising its functions, the local authority have regard to any guidance issued under this Act, including enforcement and revocation powers, as well as a series of local and national conditions which can be attached to licences so that the council can protect public safety and amenity
Conditions of licence may be subject to alteration upon completion of the application consultation process.
Temporary tables and chairs licence terms and conditions
This licence is for the provision of non-alcoholic beverages and food only.
If you wish tables and chairs to be used for the consumption or retail of alcohol, please contact The Licensing Service via Licensing@horsham.gov.uk or by calling 01403 215407.
All tables and chairs placed on the highway are subject to public liability insurance which at present is set at £10 million (or £5 million where a low risk scenario applies). This will be determined by the council before granting the licence.
Permission to place tables and chairs on the highway will not be granted until a current insurance certificate has been seen, It is advisable not to purchase public liability insurance until a decision on your application has been made.
Fees
The fees for tables and chairs licences are as follows.
| Licence type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £688 |
| Annual renewal | £268 |
| Variations | £205 |
| Temporary tables and chair licences | £107 |
Apply for a tables and chairs licence
The easiest way to apply for a temporary tables and chairs licence is online. Click the button below to sign up or sign in to your Environmental Health and Licensing Online Portal account, where you will be able to Request a new Licence by clicking on the 3 line menu icon at the top left of the screen.
You will need to attach the following to your application:
- Evidence of public liability insurance
- Scale plan
- A photo or product image of the furniture you plan to use
- A Risk Assessment
Apply for a tables and chairs licence
After you apply
Once your application has been received, a seven day statutory notice must be posted on the site to inform the public and other businesses in the vicinity of your proposal. Any objections will then be taken into account. Various Departments within the Council, the Highways Authority and local Police and Fire Brigade are consulted. When all replies are received and the seven day statutory notice has expired a decision will be taken within seven days on the granting of a permit.
Until permission has been obtained tables and chairs must not be placed on the highway outside the premises. If you have not heard from Horsham District Council within a reasonable period, please contact us.
If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the Licensing Department on 01403 215407 or email licensing@horsham.gov.uk
View and comment on current tables and chairs licence applications
Click the button below to view and comment on licence applications that are currently in progress.
The form will only show licence applications that are within their one-week consultation period.