Brighton Pavement Licences Explained: Why We’re Fighting for Your Outdoor Pint
There is something inherently soul-soothing about sitting outside on a crisp Brighton afternoon, the sun dipping behind the Victorian rooftops of Fiveways, while you hold a glass of something cold, crisp, and independently brewed. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a moment of connection with the street, the neighborhood, and the community.
At Lost and Found, we’ve always seen our taproom brighton home as more than just a place to buy a beer. We see it as a hub for the counter-culture to big-label, corporate drinking. We’re about the craft, the story, and the local spirit. However, right now, there’s a hurdle between you and that perfect outdoor seat. We’re currently in the middle of a planning application (BH2026/00925) to make our outdoor seating a permanent, official part of the Fiveways experience.
This isn’t just about chairs on a pavement; it’s about what kind of city we want Brighton to be. It’s about whether independent venues can thrive alongside their neighbors, and whether "community" is a word we just say, or something we actually build.
What Exactly is a Pavement Licence?
If you’ve walked through the Lanes or along the seafront, you’ve seen hundreds of them. A pavement licence is essentially the legal permission from Brighton & Hove City Council that allows a business to put removable furniture, tables, chairs, benches, on the public highway.
For a tap room brighton like ours, it’s the difference between a closed-off storefront and an inviting community porch. The rules changed recently with the Business and Planning Act 2020 (and later the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023), making it slightly easier for venues to apply. But "easier" doesn't mean "automatic." It involves consultations, noise assessments, and a lot of back-and-forth to ensure the street remains accessible for everyone, including wheelchair users and parents with buggies.
We’ve always been committed to being "Good Operators." We believe that a well-run outdoor area doesn't subtract from a neighborhood; it adds life, safety, and a sense of belonging.
The Fight for BH2026/00925: Our Proposal
Here is the situation: We already have a drinks license that allows us to serve on our decking until 10pm. However, due to some historical planning quirks, we are currently blocked from having formal seating out there. This leads to a strange situation where you can stand outside with a pint, but you can’t sit down to enjoy it properly with a snack from one of our visiting street food partners.
We want to fix this, but we want to do it the right way, the Fiveways way. Our current proposal for application BH2026/00925 includes:
- Seating until 9pm only: Even though our license allows us to serve until 10pm, we are proposing to clear the outdoor seating by 9pm. Why? Because we live here too. We want to be extra respectful to our neighbors and ensure that the evening wind-down is peaceful for everyone on Ditchling Road.
- Noise Limiters: We are installing state-of-the-art noise limiters. We aren't a nightclub; we aren't looking to blast bass-heavy tracks into the night. We are a space for conversation, for discovery, and for the appreciation of fine liquid craft.
- Community Focus: Our outdoor space is designed for "seated socialising." This isn't about "vertical drinking" or rowdy crowds. It’s about a couple sharing a flight of Sussex pales or a group of friends catching up over some dumplings from a local street food van.
Parity in Fiveways: Supporting the Local Ecosystem
One of the core reasons we are pushing for this is that we want to offer the same cozy, high-quality experience that our neighbors already do. If you walk just a few doors down, you’ll see people enjoying the evening air at Rustico or the Pub at Fiveways. These venues are vital parts of the Fiveways fabric, and their outdoor seating helps create that vibrant "village" feel we all love.
We simply want to offer the same. We believe that Lost and Found brings something unique to the mix, a dedicated focus on independent craft beer brighton lovers can't find in the big chains. By allowing us to have seated guests outside, the council helps level the playing field for independent businesses.
When you support our application, you aren't just supporting one bar; you’re supporting a vision of Brighton where small, local-focused businesses are given the space to breathe and grow. We’re proud to showcase the best brighton breweries have to offer, and we want you to be able to enjoy those brews in the fresh air.
The Broader Brighton Movement
We aren't alone in this. All over the city, there is a movement to reclaim our streets for people. You might have seen the news about The Victory Inn in the Lanes fighting for their own garden expansion. They, like us, understand that the future of hospitality isn't just four walls and a roof; it’s about how a venue interacts with the world around it.
Brighton has always been a city of explorers and sun-seekers. Since the pandemic, the way we socialise has changed forever. We crave the outdoors. We want to see the city move and shake while we enjoy a pint. Whether it’s following an UnBarred treasure trail or just stopping for a quick half on the way home, these outdoor spaces are essential for our mental well-being and our local economy.
No Ovens, Just Great Vibes and Local Partners
It’s important to remember what we are, and what we aren't. We don’t have a massive industrial kitchen pumping out smells or noise. We are a taproom brighton purist’s dream. Our food comes from the incredible community of local street food legends who park their vans outside or partner with us for special events.
Think bao buns, sliders, or loaded fries, all designed to pair perfectly with a fresh DIPA or a traditional Sussex cask ale. By having outdoor seating, we make it so much easier for you to enjoy these collaborations. It turns a quick drink into a full sensory experience.
Why This Matters to You
You might think, "It’s just a few benches, Penny. What’s the big deal?"
But think about the last time you walked past a vibrant, busy terrace. It feels safe, doesn't it? It feels alive. Busy streets are safe streets. Active frontages, where people are sitting, chatting, and watching the world go by, discourage anti-social behavior and make our neighborhoods feel more welcoming.
Furthermore, for a craft beer taproom, the outdoor space is our "front door" to the community. It’s where people who might be intimidated by a "craft beer" sign feel welcome to sit down and try something new. It’s about inclusivity. We want the elderly couple from down the road, the young professionals, and the dog walkers to all feel they have a seat at our table.
How You Can Support Us
We are asking our Fiveways family to help us make this vision a reality. If you value having an independent independent Brighton venue that cares about the craft and the community, please consider supporting our planning application online.
How to do it:
- Visit the Brighton & Hove Planning Portal.
- Search for application reference: BH2026/00925.
- Leave a comment in support. Mention that you value the community atmosphere, the respectful 9pm limit, and the way we support local independent businesses.
Every comment matters. The council needs to hear that the residents of Fiveways actually want these spaces. They need to know that we aren't a nuisance, but a vital part of what makes Ditchling Road a great place to live and visit.
A Vision for the Future
Our dream for Lost and Found has always been to be Brighton's best-kept secret, a place where the beer is always fresh, the welcome is always warm, and the vibe is always authentic. Whether you're here for a post-match pint or looking for the perfect first date spot, we want to provide the best possible environment.
By securing this pavement licence, we're investing in the future of Fiveways. We're saying that independent beer belongs on our streets. We're saying that we trust our community to socialise responsibly and beautifully.
So, next time you're in, ask us about the progress. Have a look at the plans. And hopefully, very soon, we'll be clinking glasses together, under the Brighton sun, seated comfortably, right where we belong.
Like what you’ve tasted? Want to see more of our vision? Check out our About Us page or come say hello this weekend. The taps are waiting.
