Blackpool Council welcomes well designed and managed cafes. Where space permits, establishments may wish to use the pavement to provide outdoor eating and drinking facilities, known as a street café licence.
It is not always appropriate to allow tables and chairs on the pavement due to potential obstructions arising for other highway users.
It is therefore necessary for us to regulate street cafés by issuing all approved premises with consent under the Highways Act 1980 to place tables and chairs on the highway.
This ensures that premises with the benefit of these licences are well designed and managed so that they enhance the town.
Should you wish to apply to have additional outdoor seating to allow for social distancing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic you may wish to apply for a Pavement Licence under the Business and Planning Act 2020 instead.
Apply for a street cafe licence
Complete the application form [PDF 121KB] and return with the supporting documents as requested on the form.
A fee is also payable, the amount of which will be confirmed to you upon receipt of your application.
If you intend to sell alcohol from your cafe you will also need to apply for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003.
We recommend that you read Blackpool Council's Street cafe licence policy prior to applying.