Licence to place Tables and Chairs on the Highway
Many businesses like to be able to offer an outdoor seating area for their customers to consume food and drink. These may include cafes, bars and restaurants. If the area where the tables and chairs are to be placed is part of the Public Highway, then a licence is required from the Local Authority under section 115 of the Highways Act 1980.
The licence lasts for 12 months and attracts a fee of £100.
The Licensing Team at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have responsibility for the processing of all applications for licences of this type . We have produced extensive guidance notes to assist applicants and these can be downloaded below with the application form and other necessary documents.
The Guidance notes provide information on layout, design, plans and other relevant criteria of which you will need to be aware before submitting an application.
All applications are subject to a 28 day consultation period, during which time the application is sent to the police authority, the highways authority and the planning authority for comments. Anyone who may be affected by an application will also be consulted such as neighbouring premises or any other person or business determined appropriate by the Council.
During this 28 day period, the applicant must prominently display a Public Notice at the premise to which the application relates.
All applications, must be complete or they will be rejected. Payment of the fee of £100 can be made online on this website.
All licences have standard conditions attached and additional, appropriate conditions can be imposed by the Authorities consulted if required.
If you wish to place tables and chairs outside your business premise for the consumption of food and drink, please read the guidance notes attached here and if you have any further questions please contact the Licensing Team on 01256 845374
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