How many is "a few"

[venator]

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?

I've put this in Chatterbank - not really Law?

[NOX]

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.

[Old_Geezer]

More than 2, less than "a lot".

[EcclesCake]

Not a legal description but to me a few is 3-5 and several is 5-7.

I'd be interested to know if there is a true definition.

[sandyRoe]

But if you go for a few drinks it sometimes turns out to be a lot. :-)

[jackthehat]

"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.

[rowanwitch]

There'd be a point at which you'd look and go theres a lot of tables there in that case its probably one more than a few

[albaqwerty]

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)

[emmie]

three, if more then it can be construed as an obstruction,

[kawakiri]

One, couple, few(3-6), several, quite a few (8-12), ruck, rake, mess.

[jno]

more than a couple, less than quite a few. I'd say 3-6 but it would depend on the size of the shop, width of the pavement etc

[McMouse]

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.

[cazzz1975]

I would ask the people who have made the trading classification