Tables and chairs licensing

Tables and Chairs Licensing - Supporting al fresco hospitality in Kensington and Chelsea

The Council recognises the positive contribution that outdoor hospitality makes to enlivening our streets and creating attractive and successful places for residents and visitors to enjoy. The Council will support proposals for outdoor seating areas that are consistent with the Local Plan and that: 

  • add to the attractiveness and vitality of our streets and spaces. 
  • enhance the quality of life of neighbours and the wider community. 
  • do not impede pedestrian movement. 
  • do not impact significantly on residential amenity. 
  • do not impact significantly on visual amenity. 
  • are safe.

British Summer Time Licensing, a scheme that facilitates al fresco dining on temporary footway extensions during the period of daylight savings time. This is explained in the document below:

There are two alternative means of licensing outdoor furniture: 

  • Pavement Licence
  • Tables and Chairs Licence

Pavement Licence

A Pavement Licence is a new, temporary Licence that allows business to place tables and chairs on pavements and closed roads outside cafes, restaurants, public houses, bars and shops so that pedestrians can walk safely without being obstructed.

  • We will grant Pavement Licences on our footways until 30 September 2024.
  • The Licence Application Fee is £100 which is payable before your application can be processed. This charge is non-refundable.

For more information and how to apply visit Apply for a Pavement Licence.

Tables and Chairs Licence

A Tables and Chairs Licence allows business to place tables and chairs on pavements and highways outside cafes, restaurants, public houses, bars and shops so that pedestrians can walk safely without being obstructed. 

  • A Tables and Chairs Licence is valid for 12 months.
  • The annual fees for placing tables and chairs on a public highway from 1 April 2023 are:
Licence Application Fee £522
Fee per chair £21
Additional charge beyond 9pm £255
  • Where the tables and chairs are to be placed on publicly maintained highway, planning permission is required.
  • Where tables and chairs are to be placed on a privately maintained highway, you don't need planning permission but you do need to apply for a Tables and Chairs Licence.

For more information and how to apply visit Apply for a Tables and Chairs Licence.

Last updated: 10 November 2023