Pavement cafe licences

Borough council of Warrington - Pavement Cafe Licences

Pavement cafes in the borough of Warrington, which are not situated on privately owned land, are licensed by the borough council, by the granting of a Pavement Cafe Licence.

A premises who wishes to put tables and chairs outside their premises for the purposes of providing a seating area for customers will require consent and a licence must be applied for. This licence is renewable annually and fees can be found below.

It is the responsibility of the licensee to obtain all the consents required in connection with the proposed extension of their business onto the highway including, where appropriate, any amendment to their existing Premise Licence. It is an applicants sole responsibility to ensure compliance with any other legislation in force.

Below is a short guide to the requirements/process for applying for a licence, however you are required to read the Pavement Cafe Licence policy below before completing your application.

Consents:

Consents required include, but are not limited to:

• Planning Permission must be either granted or be in the process of being granted before an application can be submitted. Please contact the council's planning department for information on the planning requirements for your proposed premises.
• Public liability insurance of up to £5m is required for all licences.
• Listed Building consent may be required if necessary.

Restrictions:

• An application for a Pavement Cafe Licence in conjunction with ANY Alcohol Sales Licence (Premise Licence) will only be considered in respect of the sale of alcohol with a meal.
• Certain locations are not able to have pavement seating due to width restrictions, heavy pedestrian routes etc. Please contact the highways department on 01925 442505 for more information.
• The sale of food and drink from temporary stalls, takeaways & outdoor sales points will not be eligible to apply for a licence.
• Only food purchased from within the premsies that the licence relates may be consumed in the oudoor area.

General considerations:

1. Size & layout:

• The area of the proposed use must be specified & defined on the application.
• Pedestrians needs will be paramount, they should not be diverted from their main route.
• Adequate provision for customers with disabilities must be shown.
• Applications may be rejected on health & safety grounds after consultation with the emergency services.
• If your proposed area fronts other properties, applicants are expected to show evidence and outcomes of consultation with the owners/occupiers.
• A public notice detailing the application must be clearly displayed at the property for a period of 21 days.

2. Defining the area:

• The licensed area may need to be enclosed making it distinguishable and to assist blind or visually impaired pedestrians.
• Any route left available to pedestrians must be clear from obstructions.

3. Hours of operation:

• Cafe furniture will only be allowed on licensed areas 30 minutes after vehicle access is closed (if shared with vehicle access).

4. Furniture:

• White plastic chairs & picnic tables will not be approved.
• Planning permission will need to be sought where canopies or umbrellas are to be used.
• Objects that impair vehicle sight lines will be refused.
• No advertisements will be permitted in the area without the required consent.
• Non-furniture such as menu boards and signs, etc, will not be allowed outside the designated area.

5. Other requirements:

• The nearness of bus stops and taxi ranks to the licensed area will be taken into account when determining an application.
• All food premises are to be registered by the council's community services department.
• Additional litterbins will be required within the area and are not to be used for commercial waste.

Applying for a licence:

• In the first instance please telephone the licensing section on 01925 442119/442072 to obtain an application or download the form from below.
• All applications must be completed and submitted with a location plan and site plan (Details can be found in the Pavement Cafe Licence Policy)
• Please enclose your cheque made payable to Warrington Borough Council.
• Please ensure you enclose your insurance certificate.

Please read the Pavement Cafe Licence Policy which can be viewed online before making your application for a licence.

Cost:

• A new Pavement Cafe Licence will cost £650.00.
• A renewal of a Pavement Cafe Licence will cost £450.00.
• The cost of your Planning Permission will need to be obtained from the planning department.

Application:

Please download a copy of the application for a Pavement Cafe Licence here.

Contacts: