A shopkeeper has a trading classification which allows her to have "a few" tables on the pavement - any more, and she needs another class, which costs over £300 per application, with a poor chance of success.
Does anyone know what "a few" means in this context?
That means as many as she can get away with tbh, certainly more than two. I'd try it at what you need until you get a visit, then contest with the visiting officer from the council what he and you think a few means.
"A few" has always been 3 or more as far as I am concerned.
What is the floor area available to her? There will be a limit at which the Planners will draw a line, but it may well be dependent upon the floor area.
A pub in my area can only put tables outside their "shop window", room for 3 tables. A cafe, which has a larger "shop window" has 6. Sufficient room must be left on the pavement for wheelchair users etc and the tables/chairs cannot encroach upon access to their premises (or exit if you happen to be in there)
I've never come across a permit which restricts the number of 'tables', 'seats', etc that does not state a limit i.e. "Non more than n". In the context of a limit to a 'few' it is meaningless and therefore unenforceable.