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.

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 café areas should operate.

The Department's guidance document is available here.

Guidance for Pavement Café 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.

• Application Form
• Quick Guide
• Public Notice
• Risk Assessment Example
• Remote Pavement Café Risk Assessment Example

Licence Fees

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

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

Environmental Services Licensing Section
Riada House
14 Charles Street
Ballymoney
BT53 6DZ

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.