Street trading frequently asked questions
General
What is illegal street trading?
Unlicensed Street trading on the public highway is
illegal and can be reported to the council. This includes:
- individuals/groups selling vehicles from the public highway (eg advertisements on a vehicle window)
- 'non-itinerant' ice cream selling (eg an ice cream van that remains in the same location for a considerable period of time or trades from prohibited streets which are Uxbridge Roads, High Streets, W5)
- 'pitching up' of a stall on public highway without a street trading licence
Is there a street trading pitch available?
The council has decided that its existing designated sites
are sufficient and no new sites will be licensed. The council has
as a waiting list for site vacancies. If a site becomes vacant, it
is offered to the first person on the
waiting list.
Street trading licence
Do I need a licence to display goods outside my shop?
Yes - a street trading licence is required if you
wish to display goods in front of your shop on the public highway.
Under council policies, customers can only carry out trade at a
depth of one metre in front of shop.
Does my street trading licence require a renewal?
Yes – street trading licences are issued for a
maximum of twelve months but may be issued for a shorter period.
Renewal application forms will be sent to you one month before
expiry of your licence.
How do I apply for a street trading licence?
Complete the relevant
street trading application form and read the
guidance notes. The administrative fee for a licence is £30 which
will be refunded if the application is refused. You will also need
to submit two passport size photographs taken within the last 12
months of the manager of the shop and signed on the reverse by the
applicant.
Can I appeal if my street trading licence is
refused?
Any person aggrieved by the refusal, revocation or variation
of a licence may appeal to a Magistrates' Court under and in
accordance with the provisions of section 30 of the London Local
Authorities Act 1990 (as amended).
Is my street trading licence transferable?
No - If you sell the business you must notify the council and
request a refund on your fee. The new owner of the business must
apply to the council for a new street trading licence.
What are the fees and charges?
The administrative fee for a licence is £30, which will be
refunded if the application is refused. There are different
weekly charges (word) depending on the type of
licence and number of days in use.