Tables and chairs (amenities) licences and shop front licences
If you are a business such as a restaurant or cafe, you need a licence to place tables and chairs outside on the public highway.
If you are a business such as a grocer or mini-market, you need a licence to use the public highway outside your premises to sell or display goods.
Tables and chairs (amenities) licence
You will need a licence to place tables, chairs and other amenities, for example, umbrellas, planters and heaters, outside a restaurant or cafe for customers to use while eating or drinking.
What you will need to send us
To apply for a table and chairs (amenities) licence you will need to give us:
- a completed application form;
- a plan of the area where you would like to place tables and chairs;
- a cheque made payable to London Borough of Lambeth for the total fee.
Fees
The total cost of a table and chairs (amenities) licence will be based on the number of hours you are going to open each day and the number of chairs you would like to put out. Please use the table below to work out the total fee you will pay.
You will only 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 20 March 2008.
| No. of chairs |
Application fee |
Licence Fee |
Additional charge for each hour beyond 7pm |
| 1-4 |
£103 |
£464 |
£5 |
| 5-10 |
£103 |
£567 |
£7.50 |
| 11-15 |
£103 |
£670 |
£10.50 |
| 16-20 |
£103 |
£773 |
£15.50 |
| 21+ |
£103 |
£824 |
£20.50 |
Application form
Tables and chairs on the highway - A guide for traders applying for a licence
Shop front licence
You will need a licence to use the public highway outside your premises for the sale or display of goods.
What you will need to send us
To apply for a shop front licence you will need to give us:
- a completed application form;
- two passport-size photographs of yourself;
- a cheque made payable to London Borough of Lambeth for the correct fee.
Fee
The cost for a shop front licence is £325 fee. In addition, there is an application fee of £100. Any applications made after 20 March 2008 will need to pay the both the licence and application fees.
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 20 March 2008.
Application form
More information about shop front and tables and chairs licences
Following a licence application we will carry out site visits and consultation.
We will inspect the site to see if there is enough room for the shop to display goods or place amenities on the highway without causing an obstruction.
What will we take into account when inspecting a site before issuing a licence?
- Street furniture or anything that may cause an obstruction if the licence is granted
- how busy the street is
- historical existence of trading.
Who will we consult with?
If we accept your application we will consult with:
- our Transport and Highways department;
- Transport for London, if the premises are on a red route; and
- your 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 it was issued.
The licence fee is fixed regardless of the number of months that there is from the time that you applied to the end of the licence period 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
If you feel that your tables and chairs or goods are located on land which you consider to be private property, then legal proof of 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.