Pavement licensing Al Fresco eating and drinking

Pavement licence

A pavement licence is a licence granted by the council which allows the licence-holder to place removable furniture over certain highways next to the premises that have this licence. Generally, these are footpaths restricted to pedestrians or are roads and places to which vehicle access is restricted or prohibited.

Temporary changes to planning and licensing procedures became law in 2020. Pavement Licences introduced a fast-track process to make it easier for premises serving food and drink to seat and serve customers as lockdown restrictions were lifted and social distancing guidelines remained in place.

On 10 August 2023, The Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 came into action. These regulations extended the existing Pavement Licence provisions to 30 September 2024.

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.

Any licence granted after 10 August 2023, will be valid until 30 September 2024.

How much does it cost?

The application fee is £75.

What happens once the application is submitted?

The council have 14 days from the day after the application is made (excluding public holidays) to consult on, and determine the application. This consists of 7 days for public consultation, and then 7 days to consider and determine the application after the consultation.
If the council does not determine the application within 7 days, the application will be deemed to have been granted. This is subject to any local conditions published by the council before the application was submitted.

How to apply

1. Read the guidance notes
2. Complete the application form:

• application form (pdf) 
• application form (docx)

3. Email your application and accompanying documents to pavement.licensing@north-norfolk.gov.uk

4. Pay the License fee payment of £75 using the instructions you will receive when you submit your application email.

5. Display this site notice on the day you submit your application. This is day 1 of the 7 days consultation process. In your application you will need to include photos of the site notice to show it has been properly displayed.

The public consultation period is 7 days (excluding public holidays), starting the day after the application is sent to us electronically.

Please send the application and accompanying documents by email to pavement.licensing@north-norfolk.gov.uk.

Pavement licensing register