Licence - street cafe

Maidstone Borough Council does not provide street cafe licences.

You can get this licence from Kent Highways Services.

A-boards

If you are a business with either an A-Board or Tables and Chairs on the highway outside your property, you are responsible for obtaining the relevant permissions from us in advance of placing the item on the public highway.

Once agreed by Kent County Council, you will receive a permit which will need to be displayed in your shop window.  Many premises with Tables and Chairs do indeed already hold a valid permit.

There are lots of other 'off highway' advertising methods that we are keen for you to consider instead of applying for an A-board licence. These are fixed wall boards, mounted display boxes, window displays, hanging signs, changeable cloth signs - to name a few.

The application forms can either be completed on-line or you can download a printable version and emailed back to KCC or alternatively, you can return them in the post, complete with payment.

To apply for a licence you can either use Kent Highways Services apply online service, download an application form or email your application to kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.uk.

Tables and chairs

Application for a permit to place tables and chairs on the pavement or road under Highways Act 1980, Section 115B /115E

This service lets you submit a form and its related documentation online.

To place tables, chairs or other temporary furniture on the highway (Highway includes carriageway, footway (pavement) and verge) requires a licence from your local authority. You will also need to provide evidence of your public liability insurance.

The authority will charge a fee of £150 that you will pay online to process your application. The fee is the same whether you apply online or by post (businesslink.gov.uk or UK Welcomes do not charge an additional fee for online applications).

The following supporting documents are required and can be uploaded:

• Location and site layout plan (mandatory)
  A detailed plan must be provided clearly showing the extent of the area you wish to use including dimensions.
• Furniture appearance (mandatory)
  Sketch/photograph/manufacturer's brochure showing furniture proposed including any barriers.
• Public liability insurance certificate (mandatory)
  Evidence of £5 million public liability is required.
• Risk assessment (optional)
  Carrying out your own risk assessment is strongly advised to highlight any potential issues prior to application, increasing the chances of approval.
• Planning consent evidence (optional)
  If planning consent is required, evidence of the consent granted is required

Useful documents

Alternatives of advertising