Summer dining boost as pavement licences cut in West Suffolk

12 May 2026

Cafes, pubs and restaurants in West Suffolk can now apply for a pavement licence for outside tables and chairs at a heavily discounted cost as part of a trial scheme.

Fees for pavement licences have been cut from £500 to £100 as part of a trial scheme designed to provide up to £1.2m of additional support to town centres. Renewals have also been cut from £350 every two years, to £100.

The legislation for pavement licences was introduced by the Government under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. It requires businesses who want tables, chairs and other street furniture on public pavements, to apply to the council for a licence.

It also introduced a requirement for at least two metres of pavement space to be kept free to prevent people including with pushchairs or wheelchairs, having to move onto the road.

In West Suffolk, the cost for pavement licences was set in 2024 at £500 covering two years and then £350 for a relicense. The fees were set to reflect the costs of administration, consultation and enforcement so that there was no burden on taxpayers. It was designed not to generate surplus income for the council but to deliver a cost neutral service that benefitted local businesses.

Councillors agreed in February to use up to £1.2m of council reserves to support local high streets including heavily discounted pavement licences. As agreed at council, a 12-month review will assess financial impact, footfall, usage, and economic indicators.

Cllr Cliff Waterman, Leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “We are constantly looking at the new ways that we can invest in and support the success of our high streets. Café culture and restaurants have become a big part of our town centres – and they have proven very popular which is why we continue to see their growth. Part of that appeal, no doubt, is in people being able to meet up, socialise and watch the world go by. This trial scheme is using part of our council reserves to give a boost to these types of businesses and the high street overall without taxpayers having to directly prop up the costs. We hope that it will benefit our high streets, businesses and our communities, and we will review the success of this trial scheme.”

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory at West Suffolk Council said: “The summer is approaching which is the perfect time to sit out during the day with a coffee or a glass of something and then in the evening outside a restaurant. That is why we’d encourage businesses such as cafes, restaurants and pubs to have a look at the guidance on our website. While they will need to ensure that they meet the regulations which maintains people’s access along pavements, we also hope that this subsidised fee will further add to the vibrancy and vitality of our town centres, supporting growth while maintaining public safety.”

Businesses can find out more about applying for a pavement licence at: 
www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/Business/Licensing-and-regulation/Licensing/street-trading/pavement-licences.cfm 
 

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