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Street trading consents

Street trading policy

Our current Policy is now being reviewed (as it has a 5 year life span) ahead of renewing it and readopting it. We do not intend to make any changes to the Policy, as it has served us, our Street Traders, local residents and local businesses very well. The Policy ensures that all applications and Traders are well regulated, and that the way the Council carries out its Street Trading functions are done in a manner that promotes business opportunities to Traders, and helps build vibrancy and diversity in the local economy. 

We are running a short consultation from 26th April 2024 until 24th May 2024 seeking any comments or suggestions about our current Policy, for such comments and suggestions to be considered by the Licensing Committee when it meets on 19th June 2024, where the Committee will be asked to recommend that the current Policy be readopted by the Council.

You can find the current Policy in the Related Documents section at the bottom of this web page.

Any comments should be sent by email to the Licensing Manager at licensing@ashfield.gov.uk

All streets in Ashfield are covered by consents. You cannot trade on the street or from a vehicle without the right licence in place. 

There are 4 types of street trading consent: 

There is a charge for all types of consent and some will be subject to public and stakeholder consultation before being given. There are also some restrictions on some types of consent or the locations they cover. 

You do not need to apply for a street trading consent if you are a market traded at a licensed market premises. 

What we consider with street trading applications

We consider a number of things when we receive an application for a street trading consent. Our policy is to prevent street trading in locations:  

  • where there might be a risk to public safety because of causing an obstruction or unhygienic conditions
  • where there might be a risk to public order
  • where there might be a risk of public nuisance or annoyance because of noise, odour, litter or similar
  • whether planning permission is needed or has been given
  • appearance of the stall, vehicle or unit
  • and any relevant registrations for food businesses. 

Our policy is also to prevent street trading in locations in close proximity to: 

  • a place of worship
  • a place of education
  • a place of healthcare
  • a place cultural or historical significance
  • residential properties
  • businesses offering the same goods or services
  • or may undermine the safety and convenience of the public or road users. 

While there are a number of locations already approved and adopted within the district we'll tell residents close to any potential new ones about them. You will also need to display a notice at the site during the consultation period. 

How we enforce consents

Traders found to be trading without a consent in place may be prosecuted.

Those who are breaching the conditions of the consent will be given warnings and we'll work with them so they understand what they can and can't do. 

Whether they continue to breach the conditions the consent may be revoked. This will be decided at a hearing. The trader will be able to put their case across as well as a detailed report being considered. 

How to contact us about consents

If you have questions about the consents or applying you can contact us by: 

Related links:

Related documents: