Pavement licences

You can 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.

Pavement Licences can also be applied for through East Sussex Highways. We advise you review both licence types as they have different terms and conditions and choose the one best suited for your business needs.

This application can only be made online. We cannot accept postal applications.

How long does it take to get the licence?

This process will may take up to 28 days from the time of a correct application to a final decision. The licence will last for 2 years.

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 information document:

Pavement licence information (PDF, 176 KB)

What if I already hold tables and chairs permission from East Sussex County Council?

The pavement licence, issued by Eastbourne Borough Council/Lewes District Council is different to the current tables and chairs permissions issued by East Sussex Highways, 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.