Illegal street trading

Our policy is to oppose all street trading other than from areas approved by us where highway safety will not be impaired. For such sites a trader's licence must be obtained from us.

The erection of signs or stalls for the sale of produce within the highway, including grass verges, is illegal. However, produce can be sold from the land on which it is grown, but signs advertising such facilities must be clear of the highway and may require planning permission. Any unlicensed use of the highway for tables and chairs is an obstruction and may be dealt with by the police.

There are three main types of permission which may have to be obtained before tables and chairs may be placed on a part of the highway:

• planning permission and listed building consent may be required from the council for the use of the land or building for a cafe. There is a fee for this and planning approval must have been granted before an application will be considered by the council.
• a licence will be required, from us as the Highway Authority, to put tables and chairs out on a public highway, whether it be on the street or a pavement or a pedestrian area. There is a fee for this, payable before a licence can be issued.

It is an offence under Section 10 of Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 to engage in illegal street trading.

For more details on the street trading licence please contact us.