Pavement licence

This licence type enables furniture to be placed on a pavement, such as tables and chairs, which may only be used for the sale or consumption of food or drink from that premises.

Policy

View the Pavement Licence Policy for full details on how applications for pavement licences are determined, guidance for applicants on how to make applications, conditions that may be imposed, and what factors we will take into account when determining applications.

You can also view government guidance on pavement licences​.

Who can apply

The types of business that may apply for a pavement licence are restricted to pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, or other similar premises.  

Timescales

Applicants should allow 28 days for a decision to be made on the application. All applications will be subject to a 14 day public consultation period, after which a decision will be made to grant or refuse the application within a further 14 day period.

All licences will typically be granted for a period of 12 months but may be granted for an alternative period where appropriate.

How to apply

The application must comprise of:

• Completed application form - depending on the type of licence required
• Fee
• Copy of current public liability insurance
• Photograph of the consultation notice correctly filled in and displayed
• Any other supporting documents required

Applications should be sent to licensing@merton.gov.uk.

Fee

The fee for new, renewal and variation payment licences is £100, which you must pay when submitting an application. This is non-refundable, and the application will not be progressed until the fee is received. 

Payment can be made by telephone on 020 8545 3969. To pay by bank transfer, contact us for details.

Conditions of licence

A pavement licence may only be used to licence removable furniture. Fixed furniture or A-boards may not be licensed by a pavement licence. 

Our standard conditions for pavement licenses (pdf, 48 KB) will be applied to all licences granted, unless a request is made, and granted, to remove a condition.

New application

A new application is required in all cases where an existing licence is not held for the same premises by the person applying. A pavement licence may not be transferred. Any person applying for a pavement licence other than the existing licence holder must apply for a new licence, even if no other changes are proposed to the current licence.

The application form should be fully completed and submitted with the documents requested on the application form.

New licences will normally be issued for a period of 12 months, starting from the date that the application is granted.

• Pavement licence application form (pdf, 390 KB)

Renewal applications

An existing licence holder may apply to renew a pavement licence. A renewal application can only be made to renew the licence on the same terms and conditions as previously granted. No changes to a licence may be requested on a renewal application. A licence holder wishing to make changes to an existing licence should use a variation application.

A renewed licence will normally be issued for a period of 12 months. That licence period will begin from expiry date of the licence being renewed.
Licence holders are advised to submit a renewal application at least 28 days before the expiry date of the existing licence to ensure that there is no period when the furniture being used is unlicensed.

• Pavement licence renewal form

Variation applications

Variation applications are applications submitted by an existing licence holder and are to request changes to the permission granted on an existing pavement licence for the premises.

If granted, a new licence will be issued and will specify a new licence period starting from the date the application is granted. This allows existing licence holders to use this process at any time during the licence period, or as an alternative to a renewal application.

The process and requirements for a variation are the same as for a new application, except that a new plan will only be required if the application seeks changes to the licensed area, including size of the area or the furniture to be used in the area. A new pan will not be required if no changes are proposed to the existing licensed area.

• Pavement licence variation form

Consultation

All applications, including renewals, will be subject to 14 day public consultation which beings on the day after an application is submitted (completed form and payment received). When counting ‘days’, public holidays are not included. There is a legal requirement to place a clear public notice in an area easily visible to passers-by.

You may use this site notice template to assist you. Read the guidance on the first page of the notice for what to include.

Street trading licences

A business will not require a separate street trading licence for the furniture licensed by a pavement licence.

For businesses that wish to carry out trading activity on a highway, including a pavement, and that activity cannot be licensed with a pavement licence, then a street trading licence will be required.

Applications received

The applications received for pavement licences lists those which are still open to comment or objection by the public. The list gives the last date for objections to be made.

• Pavement licence applications received

Contact

For any further queries, get in touch with our Licensing team at licensing@merton.gov.uk and we will respond to the enquiries as soon as we can.