What is a market stall licence?

A market stall licence (or street trading licence) is an official permit issued by a local council required to legally sell goods or services from a stall, vehicle, or pitch on a public highway, pavement, or designated market area. It ensures compliance with public safety, hygiene, and street management regulations.

Do I need a licence to run a market stall?

To operate a market stall, you will need a street trading licence.

What are market stalls?

A market stall or market booth, is a structure used by merchants to display and house their merchandise in a street market, fairs and conventions. Some commercial marketplaces, including market squares or flea markets, may permit more permanent stalls.

Do you need a permit to sell things on the street in the UK?

About street trading licences

You must have a street trading licence to sell items from a trailer, stall or any other container in a street.

Can I sell stuff from my front garden?

If you wish to sell anything from a front garden of a property to customers on the footpath you need a licence; or from a piece of land that is within 7 metres of the public highway and not enclosed, you will need a Street Trading (Private land) licence.

How to set up a small business, shop, or stall in the UK 2025

Am I allowed to sell things on the street?

Unlicensed street trading on the public highway is illegal. This includes: Individuals/groups selling vehicles from the public highway (eg advertisements on a vehicle window)

Can you make food at home and sell it in the UK?

It can be viewed at www.food.gov.uk. Your home will need to be registered with the Council as a food business. This is free, and there is only one simple form to fill in, but it is a legal requirement and you can be prosecuted if you do not register before starting.

How to start a market stall in the UK?

To run a market stall, you must apply for a licence from your local council. You can apply for a temporary licence or a permanent licence. Your licence will include restrictions on when and where you can trade and the size of your stall.

What are the 4 types of marketplace?

There are primarily four types of marketplaces: B2C (Business-to-Consumer), where businesses sell to individual consumers; B2B (Business-to-Business), where transactions occur between businesses; C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer), enabling consumers to sell to each other; and M2M (Machine-to-Machine), which involves exchanges ...

Is it worth having a market stall?

Benefits of opening a market stall

If you already have an online business, are interested in starting a new business, or want to earn some extra income on top of your regular day job, opening a market stall is a low-risk option for getting started and being your own boss, allowing you to learn as you grow.

What insurance do I need for a market stall?

Most retail businesses will consider getting Public Liability Insurance (also known as General and Products Liability Insurance). This is designed to cover claims of injury or damage to others (including injury caused by your products), as well as legal costs in the event of a dispute.

What is the most profitable food to sell in the UK?

Pizza and pasta

Italian food is a firm favourite among the UK population and can be far more profitable than other cuisines. As well as its popularity, a big reason behind its success is the fact that a large proportion of the menu is pizza- or pasta-based and therefore relatively cheap to produce.

How do I handle payments at a market stall?

If you travel to meet your customer, you've got an opportunity to get paid on the spot, with no extra hardware, and no need for follow-up invoices (aka late payments). Today, the best solution for mobile merchants and market stall holders is to accept contactless card payments on a smartphone.

Can I sell food without a food hygiene certificate?

No, a food hygiene certificate isn't a strict legal requirement to sell food in the UK, but food business operators must provide appropriate food hygiene training for their staff (which can be on-the-job or self-study) and having a certificate is the best way to prove this to local authorities and demonstrate due diligence, as you still need to register your business and follow all food safety laws. 

What food can I make at home and sell?

✅ Foods Commonly Allowed Under Cottage Food Laws

Baked Goods: Cookies, muffins, and breads that don't contain cream fillings. These are popular at farmers' markets because they're easy to package and transport. Cakes & Cupcakes: Allowed if they're shelf‑stable (no whipped cream, custard, or cream cheese frostings).

How do I accept payments for food?

How to Accept Credit Card Payments in Your Restaurant

1. Get a Point-of-Sale (POS) System.
2. Choose a Payment Processor.
3. Set Up a Merchant Account.
4. Purchase Payment Processing Equipment.

Can you sell stuff without being a business?

* Scale of Sales: Small-scale, occasional sales may not require a business license in some areas. However, if you plan to sell items regularly, especially as a primary source of income, you are more likely to need a license. * Online vs. In-Person Sales: The method of selling can also affect licensing requirements.

Can I have a stall outside my house?

You must apply for a Street Trading Licence to sell goods in a public street or place within the Square Mile.

How can I sell homemade food legally in the UK?

Starting a food business from home checklist

• Register with your local authority. ...
• Check you have the appropriate permissions. ...
• Register as self-employed. ...
• Contact your local authority for advice. ...
• Consider food safety training. ...
• Ensure you manage waste correctly.

Can I sell cakes from home as a hobby?

You'll need to register with Environmental Health. This can be done by contacting your local authority and being transferred to their Environmental Health Department. Inform them that you are starting up a cake business from home and they will talk you through the necessary steps to get you registered.

Who is exempt from registering as a food business?

places where the main activity is not food-related (for example, a barber providing coffee) places where food is only sold through vending machines. certain agricultural premises, motor cars, tents and marquees (but not stalls) some domestic premises.