Council urges pubs, eateries to apply for new pavement licences allowing outdoor seating in Derbyshire Dales
Government legislation requires businesses in Derbyshire Dales to apply for a new pavement licence for outdoor seating, replacing Covid-19 measures.
Government legislation means any business within the district wanting to provide tables and chairs for food and drink on the pavement outside their premises must apply for a pavement licence from Derbyshire Dales District Council.
Following government legislation in April 2024 the District Council announced new pavement licensing arrangements for businesses with outdoor seating on the pavement (public highway) outside their premises.
The Council issued a media release about this on 11th September 2024.
The licence allows businesses to place removable furniture outside their premises, to sell or serve food or drink, and/or allow the space to be used by people for the consumption of food or drink sold by the business.
An alcohol licence is also required if alcohol sales are to take place.
These new arrangements replace temporary pavement licence measures introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Those premises within Derbyshire Dales that had an existing pavement licence were written to, reminding them to renew by 30 September 2024. All did so, and all have new valid pavement licences.
However, there are other food and drink businesses across the district that provide tables and chairs outside their premises on pavement/public highway that may not be aware of the new legislation or have not previously obtained a pavement licence.
Fees range from £200-£500 for a two-year licence, and eligible businesses include public houses, cafes, bars, restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops and ice cream parlours, including those attached to businesses like supermarkets or entertainment venues.
The District Council will be writing to businesses early in 2026 to remind them to apply for a pavement licence if they wish to provide outdoor tables and chairs for the consumption of food or drink sold by them.
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.”
For more information and guidance on how to apply, visit the District Council website by clicking here to this derbyshiredales.gov.uk/pavement-licences
Sitting out licenses for public spaces Derbyshire
Businesses providing outdoor seating in public spaces such as market places and squares (rather than the pavement/public highway), require a ‘sitting out’ licence rather than a ‘pavement’ licence.
The District Council is set to contact businesses where sitting out licences are required for outdoor seating on Derbyshire Dales District Council land.