STREET TRADING
What is Street Trading?
Street trading means the selling, exposing or offering for sale any article (including a living thing) in a street: (Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
A ‘street’ includes
- any road, lay-by, footway, beach; or
- any other area, road, lay-by, footway or forecourt to which the public have clear unobstructed access without payment; and
- a service area as defined by s. 329 of the Highways Act 1980.
Street Trading Licences
Anyone who wishes to sell anything from a street so that members of the public can approach the unit/barrow/stall without having to pay to access the land it is sited on requires a licence before he/she can trade.
A street trading licence may not be needed, however, if you have a 'Pedlar's certificate' under the Pedlars Act 1871. A certificated pedlar is treated as a licensed 'hawker' for the purposes of the legislation affecting markets, and (in principle) may sell his goods at a market.
Markets: Most markets and fairs are now regulated under general legislation giving enabling powers to local authorities, or by local legislation relating to a particular market or fair. A local authority may establish a market under the Food Act 1984. Some traditional markets in London are regulated under special Acts, including Billingsgate Market, Leadenhall Market and Spitalfields Market.
Designated Licence Streets
Broadly speaking, a licence may only be granted for a pitch that is in a 'designated licence street'. The two exceptions are 'temporary licences' for no more than 6 months; and 'itinerant' ice cream vans that do not stay in any one place for more than 15 minutes. Whether or not to designate a street as a licence street is a matter for the local council. The consent of the Highways Authority is necessary.
If you would like more information about street trading licences and markets, telephone 020 7353 8415
Or use the Contact Form