Sitting out licence - apply for a new licence
If the establishment has never held a sitting out licence, you need to apply before placing furniture on the street.
Before you apply
Check the licence information, eligability criteria and conditions.
Complete a public notice
You are required to affix a clear notice to the premises, so it is easily visible to the public on the day you submit the application to us. We have provided a template for you to fill out and display:
Download a template
You must ensure the notice remains in place for the public consultation period which is a period of 5 working days starting the day after the application is submitted to us. When counting ‘working days’, public holidays are not included. You are encouraged to keep evidence of this.
Please talk to neighbouring businesses and occupiers prior to applying for your licence, and take any issues around noise, and nuisance into consideration as part of the proposal
Charge and validity
Licences will be honoured at no charge to the applicant, and they are valid for 12 months.
Apply for a licence (new applications)
Download an application to request a new sitting out licence. If you have a licence already and wish to renew it at the end of the 12-month period, see our renewals information.
- download and print the application on paper
- return completed application by email to SittingOutLicences@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Download application