Government extends Fast Track Pavement Licences for another year

“In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Business and Planning Act made a temporary provision for a quicker and cheaper process to allow businesses in England selling food or drink to obtain authorisation from the Local Authority to place furniture such as tables and chairs on the highway adjacent to their premises – commonly called a Fast Track Pavement Licence.

This temporary provision was originally due to expire on 30th September 2021, but in July 2021 the Government extended that period until 30th September 2022.

Today, 22nd July 2022, the Government has done the same again, extending the period during which the Fast Track Pavement Licence provisions continue to apply until 30th September 2023.

The relevant Regulations are the Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 can be read here.

The regulations only apply to applications made on or after the 22nd July 2022, otherwise existing Fast Track Pavement Licences will expire on the 30th September 2022. Operators will therefore need to make an application in good time to continue to benefit from the provisions.

These Regulations are a temporary stop-gap, to allow operators to continue to benefit from the Fast Track Pavement Licence regime (should they so choose), pending the provisions in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill proceeding through Parliament, and hopefully obtaining Royal Assent in due course. The Levelling Up Bill proposes to make the Fast Track Pavement Licence regime permanent, although subject to certain changes, for example the fees for an application, the consultation period, and the minimum and maximum durations a pavement licence may have effect. ”

For more information on this or any other licensing issue, contact one of our specialist licensing solicitors on 0115 953 8500 or 020 3859 7760.