Pavement licences
The Business and Planning Act 2020 introduced a new Pavement Licence enabling businesses to place tables and chairs outside their premises to serve food and drinks.
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected businesses across the economy causing many to cease trading for several months while others have had to significantly modify their operations.
You can now apply for a pavement licence for your business in Eastbourne or the Lewes district. The licence will allow you to place tables and chairs outside your premises to serve food and drinks.
This can only be made online. We cannot accept postal applications.
How long does it take to get the licence?
This is a speedy process, taking no more than 15 days from the time of a correct application to a final decision. The licence lasts for 1 year.
The applicant is required to post a notice at the site advertising the application. You can read full details of how to do this in our pavement licence procedure document:
What if I already hold tables and chairs permission from East Sussex County Council?
Currently, tables and chairs permissions are granted by East Sussex County Council, the Highways Authority, under Part 7A of the Highways Act 1980.
This new licence is different to the current tables and chairs regime, but it does not replace it. You do not have to apply for a pavement licence if you are the holder of a current tables and chairs permission from East Sussex County Council.
Fees
The fee for a pavement licence is £75.00.
Before you apply
Please take time to read the pavement licence procedure document which gives help and advice for new and renewal applications.
Apply for a pavement licence online
Renew a pavement licence online
Further downloads
Pavement licence sample plan - scan only (PDF) [214KB]
Pavement licence Site Notice Eastbourne template (Word doc) [16KB]
Pavement licence Site Notice Lewes template (Word doc) [44KB]