Street trading

What is street trading?

If you want to sell, expose or offer for sale any article in a street then you must have a street trading licence or street trading consent. However there are a number of streets in Bristol where street trading is prohibited.

Street trading is regulated under Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 .

If you are selling goods on foot, door to door, place to place or town to town you may require a pedlars certificate (Ask Police website).

Street Trading Policy Consultation 2013

The Council’s Street Trading Policy was revised in March 2009 and the Council’s Public Safety and Protection Committee have agreed that a draft street trading policy (pdf, 128 KB) (opens new window) may be consulted upon.

 The changes to the policy include amendments to the consultation process for applications, a renewal process for applications, mobile traders, the information required to be submitted with applications, conditions attached to consents and how complaints will be dealt with. 

How to comment

The consultation will run from Friday 15March 2013 to Friday 7June 2013 and responses to the consultation can be submitted by the following means;

Online questionnaire

An online questionnaire (surveymonkey) is available.

By post

Please complete the paper questionnaire (msword, 271 KB) (opens new window) and forward to the Policy Coordination Unit, Princess House, Princess Street, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4AG.

Any comments received in respect of this consultation will be presented to the council's Public Safety and Protection Committee when the draft policy is considered. 

If you would like a paper copy of the draft policy or questionnaire or have any queries in respect if this consultation please contact Emma Lake, Policy and Project Support Officer via email on emma.lake@bristol.gov.uk .

Existing Street trading policy

The Street Trading Policy (pdf, 155 KB) (opens new window) identifies three designations that can be placed on any street.

• Licensed streets - if a street is designated as a 'licence street' then applications can be made to trade in articles described in the application on certain days on that street. Applications for street trading licences will continue to be considered on a case by case basis.
• Prohibited streets - if a street is designated as a 'prohibited street' then a criminal offence is committed by any person engaging in street trading in that street.
• Consent streets - most streets are identified as consent streets with the exception of prohibited and licence streets.

Please see street trading guidance for applicants (pdf, 25 KB) (opens new window) which details street designations and the things to consider when submitting an application for street trading in Bristol.

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that you will be deemed granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period. Please note in the event that representations are received your application will be placed before the licensing committee for determination.

Please note that the target completion period of 60 calendar days will not commence until a complete application is submitted.

How do I apply?

The following is required when submitting an application for street trading to the Licensing Team:

1. A completed and signed street trading application form (pdf, 50 KB) (opens new window)
2. Two colour passport size photographs of the applicant.
3. If the proposed activity will take place at a fixed location - a map of at least 1:1250 scale shall be submitted and should clearly identify the proposed location by marking the site boundary with a red line.
4. Three colour photographs of the trading unit illustrating different elevations of the unit.
5. A copy of the certificate of insurance covering third party and public liability risks.
6. If you wish to have street trading assistants a completed street trading assistant application form (pdf, 81 KB) (opens new window) for each individual.

Apply online

Apply for street trading consent on gov.uk website

What happens once I submit my application?

On receipt of your application the council will consult with the following agencies or persons, a period of fourteen days is allowed for comments to be received:

• Avon and Somerset Constabulary
• Area Planning - Bristol City Council
• Highways Department - Bristol City Council
• Noise Control - Bristol City Council
• Food Safety - Bristol City Council
• Local residents and/or businesses in the immediate vicinity of the proposed site. This is usually within 100 metres.
• Local residents groups/local amenity groups
• Ward councillors

If adverse representations are received, and they cannot be resolved, the application will usually be heard by a committee. If no adverse representations are received the application will usually be decided by the licensing manager.

If your application is granted fees must be paid. Please see the guidance document for applicants (pdf, 25 KB) (opens new window) for further information.

Comments on applications

Applications for street trading are usually the subject of public consultation. For static sites the consultation is targeted at local occupiers who are likely to be affected by the operation of that site. Due to the extent of an area that a mobile trader may cover targeted consultation is not possible. Therefore a register of mobile street trading applications can be found in the related documents section.

Should you wish to comment on an application your response must be submitted to the Licensing Team within the 14 day representation period. When submitting comments please tell us whether you are responding as a business or resident. If responding as a business your details will be released to the applicant, however if you are responding as a resident, personal data will be kept private.

Failed application redress

Please note there is no right of appeal to a decision to refuse an application.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Customer Satisfaction Survey

Enforcement and Regulatory Services are undertaking the following Customer Satisfaction survey to evaluate the level of service that you have received and to consider how we can improve our service.
 
We would appreciate your comments on our Enforcement and Regulatory Services Customer Satisfaction survey (Survey Monkey)