The licence does not incur a fee and will last until 30 September 2024.

If your business already has a valid tables and chairs/pavement licence issued by Hertfordshire County Council, you do not need to apply.

Eligibility

A business which uses premises for the sale of food or drink for consumption on or off the premises can apply for a licence.

Businesses that are eligible include:

• Public houses
• Cafés
• Bars
• Restaurant
• Snack bars
• Coffee shops
• Ice cream parlours
• Businesses where the consumption of food or drink is ancillary to the normal business use e.g. supermarkets

Licensing and Planning Permission

Once a pavement licence is granted the licence holder will also benefit from deemed planning permission to use the land for that purpose whilst the licence is valid.

The sale of alcohol for consumption in the pavement seating area will form part of the licensable area and be restricted by cut-off times for sales by the conditions within the Pavement Licence.

How to apply

You can apply online for this licence but will need to register before being able to complete the application.

The application must be accompanied by:

• A site plan (delineated by a red line, which clearly shows the layout of furniture, the area to be used and any existing street furniture, with dimensions of the proposed area to be used.)
• Details of the proposed furniture
• Proof of public liability insurance
• Proof that the site notice has been displayed (a template for the site notice is attached below)

If any of the above requirements are not fulfilled the application will not be deemed as complete and the application process will not commence.

What happens next?

On submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email. Once the application checks have been made, you will receive a further email to advise whether the application has been accepted and the consultation period begins.

You must complete and clearly display the Pavement Licence Site Notice in the window of the premises for 7 days.

We will then have a further 7 days to make a decision, either rejecting or approving your application. Where approved, Stevenage Borough Council will issue you with a licence.

Commenting on applications

If you have any objections or comments to make about an application that we have received, you can submit a representation by email to licensing@stevenage.gov.uk online within the 7 day consultation period.

View a list of applications received and submit a representation