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Pavement Cafés

Pavement Cafés

In this Section

Pavement Cafés - Guidance for applicants

How to get permission to use the area outside your premises as a café area.

The information published on this page, along with the Appendices documents,is available as a downloadable document (PDF 483KB)

Contents

Section 1

Section 2

Suitability Criteria

Appendices - only available in the downloadable document.

SECTION 1

Definitions

Licensed area

a public area as defined on a plan approved by the Council as a pavement café. 

Licensed period

 

the hours and days approved by Council when the licensed area can be used as a pavement café.

Operational Committee

the committee set up by the Council to determine licensing and regulatory matters including pavement café licensing

Pavement café licence

the permission given by Council to allow you to place temporary furniture on a public area for customers to consume food or drink supplied from the licence holder’s premises

Public area

a place in the open air, to which the public has access, without payment, as of right, and which is not a market area

Public nuisance

noise disturbance or other nuisance caused to residents or neighbouring businesses
temporary furniture

includes tables, chairs, parasol type structures, barriers, heaters, planters, ‘A’ boards and similar that can be removed with 20 minutes
we /us

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, usually acting through its officers
You

the licence holder granted the permission for the tables and chairs

Introduction

Pavement cafés are becoming a familiar sight across the UK and Ireland.

They can help develop a local café culture, which in turn can have a positive effect on urban environments, promote town and city centres, contribute to the general well-being of communities and appeal to tourists. 

Tourism is a key driver for economic growth in Northern Ireland offering business opportunities to create jobs and generate wealth.

Visitor attitude surveys undertaken by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board have highlighted the attractiveness of a vibrant café culture, especially for short breaks where shopping, good food and evening entertainment are high on the agenda.

Well-regulated pavement cafés can contribute to an excellent visitor experience, enhance the attractiveness of a local area and encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more.

Our duties

Council’s duty to regulate pavement licencing in the Borough is contained within the Licencing of Pavement Cafés Act (NI) 2014 which came into operation on 1 October 2016.

Council administer this new licensing system and enforce the legislation regarding any issues of non-compliance.

Guidance for application

This guidance document has been provided by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to help you prepare an application for a Pavement Café Licence within the Borough.

It also details the factors we consider when making our decision to grant or refuse a pavement café licence.

Further advice or guidance in relation to the legislation can be found on the Department for Communities website or by contacting the Council.

Please note that this document is for guidance only and is not intended to be a legal interpretation of the legislation.

What is a Pavement Café Licence?

A Pavement Café Licence authorises a person who carries on a business involving the supply of food or drink (in or from premises) to place temporary furniture (tables, chairs, etc.) on a public area for use by customers.

This includes cafés, restaurants, pubs, retail outlets providing refreshments, takeaways, etc.

Note: A licensed pavement café area will remain a public place for the purpose of public order, environmental or other legislation. 

When is a pavement café licence required?

A pavement café licence is required when you site temporary furniture in a public place for use by your customers.

A public place is a place in the open air to which the public has access, without payment, ‘as of right’.

The Council consider that all pavements and associated land which have been adopted by Transport NI (Roads Service) as part of the public road network are a public place.

Are there situations when a licence is not required?

Yes, the following exemptions apply:

  • Market area

A pavement café licence will NOT be required if the tables, chairs, etc. are placed in a market area on market day.

  • Private land

Outdoor café areas that are sited on privately owned land do not require a licence.

It is considered that land owned by NI Housing Executive and Council is private land.

However each site is considered on a case by case basis.

This exception will also apply to private land which the public have an implied right of access to such as shopping centres and retail parks.

That said, Council will encourage businesses to ensure that such cafés on privately owned land do not cause interference or inconvenience, make a positive contribution to the street scene and are in keeping with the attractiveness of the local area.

Who may apply?

Persons who carry on a business (in or from a premises) involving the supply of food or drink to the public, may apply for a licence.

Is the area you want to use suitable for a pavement café?

This guidance document (section 2, Suitability Criteria) offers advice on what the Council will consider appropriate for a pavement café licence including:

  • Pedestrian and vehicular access;
  • Size and layout;
  • Likely disturbance to other businesses or residents
  • Furniture design
  • Safety issues

In general, the pavement café area will need to be set-up immediately adjacent to the premises.

However, a licence for a remote café may be considered where:

  • The proposed café does not interfere with both vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow; and
  • The licence holder is able to demonstrate that they will be able to exercise proper control and supervision of the pavement café area.

Hours of operation

The Council will confirm the hours and days of use for the pavement café area having regard to the location, likely disturbance to local residents or other businesses and representations from interested parties.

Normally the Council will consider that licences will be granted, as a maximum, between the hours of 8am and 9pm.

How we decide about your application

Council encourages the provision of pavement cafés and will grant an application unless any of the grounds for refusal, as set out in the Act, apply, or we receive objections and decide there are reasons not to grant your application.

In order to ensure that pavement cafés make a positive contribution to the local area, and that pavement cafes avoid disorder and undue interference or inconvenience to persons or vehicles in the vicinity, Council has determined Suitability Criteria that must be met by any licence applicant, and these are contained within this guide. 

Local consultation forms an important part of the application process (see below).

The Application Process

Before you submit your application you should read this guide thoroughly to check whether your proposal meets all the criteria.

You are advised to contact the Council to discuss your proposals PRIOR to submitting your application.

This may help to minimise time wasted on applications which may later be refused.

Appendix A contains a summary of the procedure for grant of a licence.

A pavement café licence can be applied for on the application form (Appendix C) at any time and currently has no end date (subject to review). 

Renewal of a pavement café licence will be subject to an assessment of previous compliance with licence conditions and continued suitability for the purpose.

All applications for a Pavement Café Licence should be accompanied by the following: 

  • Appropriate Fee – Mid and East Antrim Borough Council currently do not charge an application fee for grant, renewal or variation of a Pavement Café Licence (subject to review)
  • Location plan
    Applicants must supply a 1:500 scale plan clearly outlining the premises and the location of the proposed outdoor seating area.
    This should outline the application site in red and land in the applicant’s ownership in blue.
    This can be obtained as an ACEmap which can be purchased online from the NIDirect government services website and choosing your location under the Create a map section.
  • Site plan and pavement café details
    Applicants should also provide a site plan showing the proposed layout of the payment café area.
    This should be an accurate measured drawing showing the overall size of the café area and how it relates to your premises, the rest of the footpath and the remaining streetscape.
    The plan should, for example, include the proposed pedestrian corridor, entrance to your premises and existing street furniture in the immediate vicinity (such as lampposts and litterbins etc.).
    See Appendix E for example plan.
  • Details of the temporary furniture, chairs, tables, to be used including type, numbers, dimensions and details of type of enclosure/barriers you intend to use etc.
    (Photographs/manufacturer’s detailed brochures would be an advantage).
  • A copy of your Public liability Insurance cover (minimum indemnity of £5million) which shows that your cover includes the provision of a pavement café on public footpath.
  • A copy of your alcohol licence – if alcohol is to be served for consumption within the pavement café area.
  • If the café is to be located away from the main premise, or patrons/staff need to cross a public pavement to reach the café area, then you must provide a management control plan.

Public notice

Applicants are required to fix a public notice (Appendix D) to the premises to advise that they have made an application to council.

This should be done on the day the application is sent to the Council.

The notice must be positioned so as to be visible and legible to the public for 28 days.

In addition the Council will make the application available to be viewed by the public on the Council’s website until the end of the period allowed for representations.

You must complete the declaration on the application form stating that you have erected the required notice and that you will maintain it in place for 28 days from the date of application.

Consultation Process

It is recommended that businesses discuss their proposals with adjacent property occupiers to inform them of the application. 

We will also consult with the following:

  • Department for Infrastructure – Roads to ensure that any implications for vehicular traffic, pedestrians and public safety impacts are properly taken into account; and
  • Police Service for Northern Ireland where the premises is licensed to sell alcohol;
  • Planning Service; and
  • any other Council Department, organisations or individuals as appropriate.  

How long will it take to process my application?

Council aims to provide you with a determination within 12 weeks from date of receipt of a completed application including all the required plans and licence proposals.

This is to allow full and proper consultation in line with statutory guidance, site visits, consideration of any objections or other input from consultees and final determination and ratification by Committee and Council at their monthly meetings.

What if there are concerns with my application?

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, and any objections received by Council will form part of the considerations by Council to grant or vary a licence. 

If your proposal fails to meet the suitability criteria, you will be notified, and may be advised on any amendments which could enable a better fit with the criteria.

Can my licence application be refused?

Yes.

Due to factors such as visual impact, width restrictions, obstructions or very heavy pedestrian flows it may not be possible to accommodate pavement cafés in all locations.

However we will consider each application on its own merits, taking account of the Council’s agreed guidance and comments following consultation.  

Council is committed to developing a café culture wherever possible, and as an alternative to refusing an application Council may agree amendments to your proposal to meet the licencing criteria.

If Council is minded to refuse your application, or where terms, conditions or restrictions are imposed, or where a licence is revoked, you will be notified in writing with the reasons.

You will have the opportunity to present your case, by way of a written submission, to a Council panel before a final decision is reached.

Appeals against any formal refusal by Council must be lodged with the Magistrate’s Court within 21 days of you being informed of Council’s decision.

Their decision is final.

Appendix B contains a summary of the procedure for appeals.

Insurance

You will be required to hold Public Liability Insurance to a value of £5 million cover.

This cover will need to include the operation of a pavement café on the public footpath at all times when the pavement café is operating.

You must provide proof with your application, or at any time when requested by an authorised officer.

How long will I be able to operate under my licence?

Licences originally issued under the legislation were issued for 3 years.

Following a Council review in 2019, a decision was taken to issue open ended licences.

Therefore a licence will only end if the business is sold or ownership changes or if the Council revoke the licence.

Additional information

  • Changes to the Licence (variation)

Any proposed changes to the licence such as size of licenced area or proposed operating times must be notified and agreed in writing with the Council.

  • Transfer

It is not permitted to transfer a pavement café licence to another licence holder.

What powers do Council have when things go wrong?

Failure to obtain an appropriate licence or failure to comply with the conditions attached to a licence may result in enforcement action being instigated.

  • Unlicenced pavement cafes

It is an offence to place temporary furniture (for consumption of food and drink) on a public area without a pavement café licence.

The offence is liable to a fine of up to £1,000 on summary conviction.

The Council may seize and remove any furniture that has been set out if a licence is not in place.

  • Suspension/compulsory variation of a licence

Council may suspend a licence when maintenance of street utilities is required or road works are scheduled.

The licence can also be suspended for breach of licence conditions, making false statement or failure to pay any fee to Council without good reason. 

During any period of suspension, the pavement café licence is invalid and Council may remove any furniture placed in the public area during a period of suspension.

Council may also compulsorily vary a licence where part of an area has become unsuitable or its continued use is likely to result in interference or inconvenience to persons or vehicles in the vicinity or public order concerns.

Council will consult with PSNI before varying a licence on public order grounds.

  • Revocation of licence

A pavement café licence may be revoked following breaches of licence conditions, where the licenced area is no longer suitable for temporary furniture, or where there is undue interference or inconvenience to persons or vehicles in the vicinity or public order concerns.

Council will consult with PSNI before revoking a licence on public order grounds.

Notice of revocation, suspension or compulsory variation

You can make representations to persuade us not to revoke, vary or suspend the licence, within a specified period of 21 days of receipt of notification of Council’s intention to do this.

Enforcement protocol for breach of conditions

The following enforcement protocol will apply to pavement licences:

  1. On the first breach of a licence condition, we may issue a written warning.
  2. On the second breach we may issue a final written warning.
  3. A third breach of conditions may result in the licence being revoked or suspended.

We will consider any breach on the facts.

SECTION 2

Suitability Criteria

1. Design

The applicant will be expected to demonstrate that the café will make a positive contribution to the street scene and is in keeping with the surrounding street scene and other buildings and public realm.

Simple robust designs will be preferred and excessive or elaborate detail or signage should be avoided unless clearly justified by the particular context.

Applicants should also demonstrate commitment to the care and/or refurbishment of the external appearance of the building in which the business is housed, to ensure that the appearance of the street scene will be maintained and, where necessary, enhanced.

Street café proposals should not hinder reasonable use of the footpath, cause nuisance to adjacent frontages, or interfere with apparatus or access to apparatus within the footpath.  

To this end the applicant shall comply with all statutory requirements and obtain all necessary permissions before making a licence application.

2. Size and layout

The extent of the area to be licensed will depend on the site characteristics, safety considerations and the criteria set by the Council to maintain adequate space for both pedestrian and vehicle movement. 

The outdoor seating area should:

  • Avoid conflict with the principal lines of pedestrian movement.
  • Avoid conflict between customers going in and out of the café, passing pedestrians and neighbouring premises.
  • Ideally be confined to the frontage of its own premises with close integration of internal and external activities however this does not preclude a remote location.

In order to safeguard the interests of pedestrians, particularly disabled people, older people and those with mobility needs including pram and wheelchair users, a minimum clearance width must be left on the pavement. It is currently expected that this minimum width will be 1.5m.  

This minimum width figure may be increased in areas with high pedestrian activity, and in areas around bus stops and pedestrian crossings

Where the seating area is adjacent to a road junction or vehicular access, in certain circumstances a prescribed safe distance should be left to allow for junction visibility. 

This guidance is based on the location of pavement cafe being on a normal footpath with kerb separating the footpath from the road.

Council will consider areas which don’t fall within this definition for a licence but it may not be possible to approve a licence in these circumstances.

The Council will consult with Department for Infrastructure - Roads on these issues and there will be more detailed guidance on these matters from Department for Infrastructure - Roads.

The area to be used must take into account other needs in the immediate vicinity (e.g.  kerbside parking, loading bays, bus stops, emergency vehicle access, emergency exits, street cleansing machines and pedestrian crossings).

Where an application contains a proposal to establish a pavement café abutting neighbouring premises, the council would advise that the applicant discuss their proposal with the owners or occupiers of the adjoining premises before an application is made.

The limits of the approved café area will be agreed as part of the application process and no obstructions such as tables, chairs, portable advertising boards, planters or barriers should be placed outside this approved area or left on the pavement or any part of the licensed area outside approved hours. 

For examples of pavement cafes please refer to Appendix E

3. Boundaries

When in use, the pavement café area must be enclosed, to demarcate the licensed area and contain the tables and chairs, to make it distinguishable to other pavement users, and to assist blind and visually impaired pedestrians.

Barriers of the ‘post and chain’ type are not permitted as they are potentially hazardous to pedestrians.

Portable, sturdy barriers with a tap rail are recommended.

Bases should not cause an obstruction or tripping hazard to pedestrians.

Transport NI advise that screening should not however be placed in areas where it is likely to block visibility splays e.g. at junctions.

The enclosure shall be removed both outside the licensed period and when the pavement café is not operating within the licensed period.

The materials should, therefore, be lightweight in construction and portable, but stable enough to prevent collapse if accidentally walked into or overturned by a sudden gust of wind. 

The design of the barrier should complement the character of the surrounding area and may be required to be of a specific design in order to maintain continuity along the street frontage.

The colours and materials used for the enclosure should ensure that it is not visually dominant in longer views but will allow key elements to stand out against the background in close up.

Well maintained planters can be attractive and can be appropriately used as part of the means of enclosure, but must be positioned within the licensed area.

In certain circumstances it may be possible to utilise existing street railings, planters, bins or similar as a suitable means of enclosure.

4. Furniture

The temporary furniture must be of a high quality design and suitable for outdoor commercial use.

Poor quality furniture will not be permitted.

The use of parasols, along with their locations, materials and colours, must be specified as part of the design and must be positioned so that their extent is contained within the boundary to ensure they do not present a danger to any user of the pavement café or any other pedestrians.

Parasols made of wood and canvas are recommended, garden style domestic umbrellas and parasols are not acceptable.

Limited advertising is permitted on both the enclosure and parasols only.

Proposed details should be provided with the application.

Other items, e.g. menu boards, signs and portable gas heaters also need to be approved as part of the enclosed licensed area.

Where heating is to be provided, this must be of a type suitable for outdoor use and placed within the pavement café boundary.

If patio style liquid petroleum gas (LPG) heaters are to be used, they need to be adequately secured upright, be fitted with a flame failure device and be maintained in an efficient working order.

All furniture must be of a temporary nature that can be removed within 20 minutes at the end of the licenced period or when access to the area is required by any statutory body or in the event of an emergency.

If the main premises operate for longer than the licensed period the applicant should give consideration to where furniture is to be stored and this should be made clear within the application.

5. Environmental implications and other requirements

It will be the responsibility of the pavement café operator to keep the area clean and free of litter, during licensed/operational hours and after the conclusion of business each day.

The conduct of customers using the outdoor seating area will also be the responsibility of the operator.

Inappropriate behaviour, such as unruly or rowdy behaviour, may lead to the withdrawal of a licence.

All food premises must be registered with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The licence does not imply an exclusive right to the area and others have rights over it for events, maintenance, repairs etc. 

No amplified music or loudspeaker equipment shall be played in the licenced pavement café area.

Proprietors should promote a safe, clean and generally welcoming environment in the pavement café area.

Councils may make it a requirement that patrons using the area are seated at the furniture provided.

6. Safety and Control

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all operations and equipment comply with all appropriate legislation in relation to food safety, health and safety and alcohol sales requirements.

Applicants are reminded of their duty to carry out a risk assessment under the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978 as they relate to the area and activities covered by the pavement café.

Applicants proposing to licence a pavement café which is separate from their main premises or where you need to cross a public pavement to reach the café area must provide a management plan for the café and a proposal as to how the café will be controlled and supervised.

Individual pavement café operators with the required Pavement Café Licence will be responsible for securing full and proper insurance cover

7. Permissions from other Statutory Bodies

Planning Permission

It will not normally be necessary to obtain planning permission as well as a pavement café licence.

However, where the existing business/premises does not have the benefit of planning permission, a planning application may be required.

Planning permission may also be required for the use of awnings, canopies, blinds etc.

Other consents such as a Consent to Display an Advertisement and Listed Building consent may be required.

Rates liability

The Department for Finance and Personnel has advised that for the vast majority of cases a marginal, seasonal increase in seating of a temporary nature under the terms of the licence would be regarded as de-minimus in rating terms and would not warrant a change in Net Annual Value (NAV).

Where the type of arrangement goes beyond the marginal, seasonal or temporary arrangement and it is assessed or evidenced that it adds to the rental value of the premises, an adjustment to the NAV may be warranted.

Each case will be judged on its merits and will be the decision of the District Valuer, Land and Property Services.

8. Premises Licensed to Sell Alcohol

If you currently have an alcohol licence, Council may decide to grant a condition allowing the consumption of alcohol in your pavement cafe area, however this will be subject to full and thorough consultation with PSNI.

However if you have an ‘off licence only’ business the consumption of alcohol will NOT be permitted in your pavement cafe area.

Council may, at any time, place “an alcohol condition” on a pavement café licence requiring the licence holder not to permit persons to consume intoxicating liquor when using furniture in the area covered by the licence.

Note: Only premises licensed under the Licensing Order as a public house, a hotel, a restaurant or a guesthouse with a restaurant will have their licensed area for the consumption of alcohol extended to include the pavement café area.