Derbyshire Dales District Council has reminded hospitality businesses to apply for the correct licence before placing outdoor tables and chairs on pavements or other public land.
The reminder follows government legislation introduced in April 2024, which requires any business wishing to provide outdoor seating on the public highway to obtain a pavement licence from the council. The updated licensing framework replaced the temporary Covid-era system and was first publicised by the council in September 2024.
The licence permits businesses to place removable furniture outside their premises to sell or serve food and drink, or to allow customers to consume what they’ve purchased. Alcohol sales still require a separate licence. Businesses that previously held a valid pavement licence were reminded to renew by 30 September 2024, and all have since received updated approvals.
The council noted that some cafés, pubs, and restaurants may still be unaware of the requirement. Fees for a two-year licence range from £200 to £500 and apply to businesses such as bars, coffee shops, snack bars, and ice cream parlours, including those operating within supermarkets or entertainment venues.
Councillor Steve Wain, Chair of the Licensing and Appeals Committee at the District Council, said:
“There are legal requirements for cafes with pavement seating, and we are encouraging businesses across the district to look at our website for more information and to get in touch so we can help them through the application process.
“We have not pursued businesses until now, because we know economic conditions in the hospitality industry have been tough. But pavement licensing was brought in by the Government for a reason, and we need to ensure pavements work for all users not just adjoining businesses. In particular, safe access for pedestrians, wheelchair users and people with buggies is always a priority.”
The council plans to write again to businesses early in 2026 to remind them to apply for a pavement licence if they intend to continue or begin offering outdoor seating. Businesses providing tables and chairs in public squares or market spaces will instead need a separate “sitting-out” licence covering the use of council-owned land.
