Tables and chairs. Not a new concept - they have been around for thousands of years. Surely one of the great pleasures in life is enjoying a pint sitting outside a pub or bar enjoying some light drizzle. The attraction of outside tables and chairs has also been heightened by the smoking ban and the perceived move towards a ‘café culture’ so popular in sunnier climes.

Unfortunately if you wish to place tables and chairs on council property you will need to jump some bureaucratic hurdles by obtaining a ‘Tables and Chairs’ or ‘Pavement’ licence. Whilst the exact process differs depending on the council it involves submitting detailed plans of the proposal and paying (surprise surprise) a fee which can run to thousands of pounds. Each council also has a policy in respect of what is acceptable and frequently the ‘depth’ of any street furniture is limited by the width of the pavement.  Some Councils also insist on planning permission being obtained and dictate that permissions have to be renewed on an annual basis. All this takes time and if you want to get the parasols out in time for the spring I would recommend that you start making plans now!