Tables and chairs and shop front licences
If you are a business such as a restaurant, bar or cafe, under the London Local Authorities Act 1990 you need permission to place tables and chairs on the public highway.
If you are a business such as a grocer or mini-market, you also need permission to use the public highway outside your premises to sell or display goods.
Tables and chairs (amenities) licence
You need a licence to place tables, chairs and other amenities such as umbrellas, planters and heaters outside your premises for customers to use while eating or drinking.
Fees
The total cost of a table and chairs licence is based on the number of hours you are going to open each day and the number of chairs you would like to put out, plus the application fee. Please use the table below to work out the total fee you will need to pay.
| No. of chairs |
Application fee |
Licence Fee |
Additional charge for each hour beyond 7pm |
| 1-4 |
£111 |
£503 |
£5.70 |
| 5-10 |
£111 |
£614 |
£8.20 |
| 11-15 |
£111 |
£726 |
£11.30 |
| 16-20 |
£111 |
£837 |
£17 |
| 21+ |
£111 |
£893 |
£22.60 |
Return your completed application form, together with the fee, to Service Team House, 185-205 Shakespeare Road, SE24 0PZ.
If you are posting your application please include a cheque for the correct amount made payable to London Borough of Lambeth.
If you come in person, you can pay by cheque, card or cash between 9.00am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. If you wish to pay by cash please ensure you bring the correct amount.
Tables and chairs application form and terms and conditions
You should use the guide below to help you complete the application form and to ensure you have included all the information we require. You should also read and sign the terms and conditions and return the signed copy with your application form.
Shop front licence
You need a licence to use the public highway outside your premises for the sale or display of goods.
Fee
The cost for a shop front licence is £352. In addition there is an application fee of £111 You will need to pay the application fee if:
- you are applying for a new licence;
- you are renewing your licence with changes to your existing licence; or
- you are renewing your licence after 8 June 2012.
Shop front application form and terms and conditions
What will we take into account before issuing a licence?
Following a licence application we will carry out a site visit. When inspecting a site we will take into account:
- street furniture or anything that may cause an obstruction if the licence is granted
- how busy the street is
- historical existence of trading.
We will consult with:
- our Transport and Highways department;
- Transport for London, if the premises are on a red route; and
- neighbours who live immediately above or beside the premises.
How long does the licence last?
A licence is temporary lasting a maximum of one year. The year starts on 01 April and finishes on 31 March regardless of when the licence was issued.
The licence fee is fixed regardless of the amount of time between when you applied for the licence and its expiry date on 31 March.
A licence can be withdrawn if valid complaints are received after the licence has been granted, or if you breach the terms and conditions of the licence.
If you are using private land
Section 21 of the London Local Authorities Act 1990 defines a "street" for the purposes of licensing amenities on the public highway. For further information please contact us on 020 7926 0524 or email streetcare@lambeth.gov.uk.
If you feel that your tables and chairs or goods are located on land which you consider to be private property, legal documentation supporting this must be submitted.
Enforcement
The placing of tables and chairs, or the sale or display of goods/receptacles without the required licence is an offence under section 137 and 149 of the Highways Act 1980 and section 38 of the London Local Authorities Act 1990. It carries a maximum fine of £1,000 upon conviction.