Permanent pavement café licensing scheme introduced in Belfast

This scheme applies to Belfast hospitality and retail businesses wanting to place furniture on a public area outside their premises

Belfast City Council is now operating a permanent pavement café licensing scheme for local hospitality and retail businesses wanting to place furniture on a public area outside their premises for use by their customers.

A temporary scheme had been introduced In June 2020 during the recovery period following the Covid-19 lockdown.

A public consultation was carried out last October and November on the change to a permanent scheme receiving feedback from existing licensees, local business community, groups representing people with a disability and public.

The permanent scheme is similar to the temporary one, but fees have been introduced and standard licence conditions have been revised.

Information session

As part of ongoing engagement, an information session for pavement café operators and hospitality businesses is taking place in City Hall on Thursday 15 February 2024.

At the session, the application process will be explained as well as requirements for operating a pavement café licence. Attendees can also speak to council staff about their individual premises.

Find out more about the Pavement Café Licensing Scheme.

First published 6 February 2024