Pavement Café Licensing

Background

Pavement cafés are becoming a familiar sight across the UK and Ireland.  They can help develop a local cafe 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 cafe 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.

Provisions

Under the provisions of The Licensing of Pavement Cafés Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, District Councils may grant Pavement Café Licenses on such terms and conditions and subject to such restrictions as may be reasonably specified in the licence.

In specifying any terms, conditions or restrictions in a licence, District Councils shall have regard to the guidelines which have been prepared by the Department for Communities (the Department) to assist District Councils with the implementation of the statutory licensing scheme.  These guidelines highlight the key legislative responsibilities of District Councils including the conditions under the pavement café areas should operate.

The Department's guidance document is available here.

Guidelines

The Department has prepared guidelines to assist district councils with the implementation of the statutory licensing scheme contained in the Licensing of Pavement Cafés Act (NI) 2014.

The Guidelines for the licensing of Pavement Cafés act (NI) 2014 highlight the key legislative responsibilities of district councils, the criteria to be met, and the procedures to be followed, when dealing with applications and the conditions under which pavement caée areas should operate.
 

Guidance for Temporary Applicants

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has introduced a temporary process for licence application to help businesses recover from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Council will be ensuring compliance with the Licensing requirements of the Pavement Cafés Act (NI) 2014 as part of the economic revitalisation of the hospitality sector.

In this regard a streamline process and the issue of a conditional temporary licence from the date of application to 31st March 2022 will be afforded to those premises that make an application to place tables and chairs in an outside space associated with their premises and can comply with the necessary conditions to safeguard pedestrians and other road users.

Council has waived temporary pavement café licence application fees.

Before submitting an application please read our guidance to check if your proposal will meet all the criteria.

• Temporary Pavement Café - Quick Guide
• Temporary Pavement Café - Application Form
• Temporary Pavement Café - 28 Day Public Notice
• Temporary Pavement Café - Guidance
   

You can contact us on 028 2766 0233 to discuss your proposal before you apply.

Send your completed application form with the relevant documents by email to environmentalhealth@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or post to:

Licensing Section
Riada House
14 Charles Street
Ballymoney
BT53 6DZ

Business operators must ensure they are familiar with Government Legislation and Covid-19 guidance:

https://covid19.tourismni.com/support-centre/business-support-advice/practical-guidance-for-working-safely-during-covid-19/guidance-for-restaurants-pubs-and-bars/

This includes social distancing advice.  Business operators must adhere to all requirement relevant to their workplace to protect the health and safety of customers and employees.

N.B.  If you are using a private space within your premises e.g. a car park and intend to serve intoxicating liquor in this area then it is required to be licensed in accordance with The Licensing (NI) Order 1996.

For further information please contact:-

District Licensing Officer
Coleraine PSNI
17-19 Lodge Road
Coleraine
BT52 1LY

Tel:  101 Ext. 83137

Guidance for New Three Year Renewal/Variation Applicants

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has prepared a document entitled "Guidance for Applicants" to help those intending to make an application for a Pavement Café Licence and to assist with consistency of approach and administration by the Council.

A copy of the Licensing of Pavement Cafés Act (NI) 2014 legislation is available here.  Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council application forms, 28 days Public Notice and guidance notes are available to download below.
 

• Pavement Café - Quick Guide
• Pavement Café - Application Form
• Pavement Café - 28 Day Public Notice
• Pavement Café - Guidance
• Department of Infrastructure Pre Application Check List - Quick Guide
• Planning Department Guidelines Quick Guide

Licence Fees

The cost of a Pavement Cafe licence depends on the type of licence that you need. 

Should you require any further information please feel free to contact the Environmental Services Department on 028 2766 0233 or email: environmentalhealth@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.