diff --git a/ariadne/db/database.py b/ariadne/db/database.py
index 7c5d0d4..e601274 100644
--- a/ariadne/db/database.py
+++ b/ariadne/db/database.py
@@ -40,6 +40,9 @@ class Database:
             for stmt in ARIADNE_ACCESS_REQUEST_ALTER:
                 try:
                     conn.execute(stmt)
+                except psycopg.errors.UndefinedTable:
+                    logger.info("access_requests table missing; skipping alter")
+                    continue
                 except (psycopg.errors.LockNotAvailable, psycopg.errors.QueryCanceled) as exc:
                     logger.warning("schema ensure skipped due to lock timeout: %s", exc)
                     return