Apply for a street cafe licence

Due to current office closures post is being diverted to a central location and as such there are delays on applications being received. Wherever possible please send all applications to our email address found on the application form.

Apply for a pavement licence

The Business and Planning Act 2020 has been introduced to streamline the process for premises to apply for street furniture or a table and chair licence, known as a Pavement Licence under this new Act. This is a temporary licensing regime and applies until September 2021. Within Warwickshire, pavement licences are administered by the local borough and district councils.

Apply for a street cafe licence

To put tables and chairs on a Warwickshire public highway, you will need to obtain a licence from us. Full details of the regulations relating to this can be found at Legislation.gov.uk - Highways Act 1980.

An application form must be completed and returned not less than one month before it is intended to place the tables and chairs on the highway.

In order to complete this process, you will need the following:

  • a copy of your Public Liability Licence Certificate (minimum of £5 million cover)
  • a plan or sketch of your premises
  • a sample or colour photograph of your furniture.

The cost of the licence to allow the use of tables and chairs on the footway is £120 per annum. The fee will be requested on receipt of your application. The fees for licences are non-refundable.

As of 1 April 2022, County Highways minimum standard for public liability insurance will increase to 10million. We would suggest reassessing your premium renewals this year to ensure you are ready for this transition so that we can continue to license your business activity on Warwickshire's highway network going forward with minimum disruption.

We advise applicants read our Street Cafe Standard Conditions (PDF, 84 KB) prior to application.

We have also created a Street Café Plan and Layout Guidance (PDF, 681 KB) document to assist street cafe applicants.

Apply online

Please note that submission of this form does NOT mean permission has been granted and no tables and chairs may be put on the highway until a licence is in place.

Street cafe licence complaints

  • Failed application redress: Please contact us in the first instance.
  • Licence holder redress: Please contact us in the first instance.
  • Consumer complaint: We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you – preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Citizens Advice – Consumer will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
  • Other redress: For example, about noise or pollution or if one licence holder should complain about another. Please contact us in the first instance.