Warning We are not currently accepting applications for sitting out licences. Following some legislation changes from the government, we are making changes to our application process. Find out more about the legislation changes.

For urgent enquiries, please email highwaysearches@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

You need a sitting out licence to place furniture on the street outside your business.

Before you apply

Check the licence information, eligibility criteria and conditions.

Complete a public notice

You must display a clear notice on the premises, so it is easily visible to the public on the day you submit the application to us. 

Download the public notice template.

You must make sure 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. We advise that you keep evidence of this.

Talk to neighbouring businesses and occupiers before applying for your licence, and take any issues around noise, and nuisance into consideration as part of the proposal.

Cost

It costs £100 for a sitting out licence.

Apply for a licence

Download the application form to request a new sitting out licence.

Email your completed application to SittingOutLicences@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.