Decision details

The Council introduced Pavement Licences at £33 per table for 3 months up to a maximum of £100 in accordance with the options available in the Business and Planning Act 2020.

A letter from Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, received in March 2021, clearly states that local authorities are expected to issue pavement licences for 12 months unless there is a good reason not to.

Pavement licences have not caused antisocial behaviour issues when business opened previously and amending the fee structure will support business reopening by reducing the annual cost. Therefore, there is no reason not to issue pavement licenses in line with the Government’s expectation, and it is considered to be important that this is done urgently so that businesses benefit from the change quickly.

It has been decided to amend the Council’s policy to enable pavement licences to be issued with applications fees being capped at £100 for a period of 12 months with provision for this to be extended until 30th September 2022 if permitted by forthcoming legislation.

Consultation has taken place with the Portfolio Holder for Community Protection and the Chair of the Licensing & Regulatory Committee.