Temporary Licence to Occupy (café outdoor seating)

About the temporary licence

To be able to install an outdoor seating area you'll need a Licence to Occupy. The temporary licence will be valid for 12 months, and it will be possible to extend this period with agreement.

Application fees and the licensing fee will be waived for a period of up to 12 months. From 1 July 2021 usual fees will be charged.

All outdoor seating areas must be smokefree and vapefree as required by Council’s Smokefree Outdoor Public Places Policy. Alcohol cannot be consumed in these outdoor areas unless they are already licensed under the conditions of the operator’s alcohol licence.

How to request a licence

If you’re interested in having an outdoor seating area for your café or restaurant:

1. Contact Toni Stevens on 04 570 6873 or toni.stevens@huttcity.govt.nz
2. Once we’ve received your request, we’ll arrange a time for a Council engineer to visit your site. They will agree on the size of the outdoor area to be occupied, and help with completing the paperwork.
3. You will be able use the outdoor area immediately while the paper work is being processed, subject to any conditions. These conditions normally relate to making sure there is enough footpath space for pedestrians to get past.

Want to know more?

Contact Toni Stevens on 04 570 6873 or toni.stevens@huttcity.govt.nz