What is a street trading licence?

A street trading licence is a legal permit required by local authorities for individuals or businesses to sell goods, services, or food from a public street, pavement, or designated area, covering various setups like stalls, vans, or even tables and chairs, ensuring compliance with public safety and regulations for specific locations, times, and items sold, with different types for permanent or temporary trading.

What is a street trading license?

Street trading is defined as the selling or offering for sale of any article in the street. Traders who use the public highway to sell goods or services must have a street trading licence to carry out trade from a designated site/pitch and display of goods in front of a shop.

Are you allowed to sell things on the street in the UK?

In general, the selling of goods or the provision of services in the street or up to 7 metres distance from the public highway, will require a licence. A Street Trading Licence means a licence for specified goods, location and time period. These licences run for not less than six months and not more than three years.

Is a street trading licence the same as a market stall licence?

To operate a market stall, you will need a street trading licence. We operate two types of street trading licences: temporary and permanent. You may be able to apply for a temporary licence and trade on a casual basis until you qualify for a permanent licence.

What is the purpose of a trade licence?

A business licence is required for certain business activities to protect consumers. Obtaining the licence proves that the business or entrepreneur undertaking the activity has considered the protection of public health and safety. A business licence ensures you comply with regulations and maintain industry standards.

Day 4: When and Why You Need a Street Trading License

Do I need a trading license?

If you plan to trade in public places, such as on the street or on a beach, you may need a street trading licence. This requirement doesn't apply to every local authority, so check individually first to find out what's required. You can apply for either a permanent or temporary street trading licence.

Can I park my food truck anywhere in the UK?

No, you cannot park your food truck anywhere in the UK; you need local council permission, often a street trading licence, as each authority has designated areas (consent streets) and prohibited zones, with fines for unlicensed operation, so always check with the specific council for rules on public land and landowner consent for private property. 

What is unlicensed street trading?

Fly traders or people selling goods on the streets without a licence create obstructions for pedestrians and are unfair competition to legitimate traders. The kinds of illegal trading include roasted nut sellers, people selling stolen or counterfeit goods, and the ball and cup scam.

Can you sell something on the street?

Yes, unless what you are selling is protected by the First Amendment (see below), to sell in public space, you need either a general vendor license to sell merchandise, or a mobile food vendor license and permit.

Can you run a business from your front garden?

If running a business from your home is unlikely to cause any disruption or be noticeable to your neighbours or anyone outside the property, it is unlikely that you will need planning permission.

Can you sell stuff outside your house in the UK?

If you operate from premises outside your home (e.g., a workshop or retail space), additional permissions may be required. For example: Planning permission may be necessary if you have customers visiting your premises. Health and safety inspections may apply depending on the nature of your business.

Can I sell products without registering as a company in the UK?

You can start trading straight away without registering. However, you must register for Self Assessment as a sole trader if you earn more than £1,000 in a tax year (from 6 April to 5 April). You can choose to register earlier. Company owners need to register the company before they start trading.

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)

Do you need a licence to hold a market?

You'll need a street trading licence if you want to sell goods or commodities and food and drink from the road, footpath or any other part of the public highway.

What is the 3 5 7 rule in trading?

The 3-5-7 rule in trading is a risk management framework that sets specific percentage limits: risk no more than 3% of capital on a single trade, keep total risk across all open positions under 5%, and aim for winning trades to be at least 7% (or a 7:1 ratio) greater than your losses, ensuring capital preservation and promoting disciplined, consistent trading. It's a simple guideline to protect against catastrophic losses and improve long-term profitability by balancing risk with reward.
 

What are the 4 types of trading?

The four main types of trading, based on duration and strategy, are Scalping, Day Trading, Swing Trading, and Position Trading, each differing by how long positions are held, from seconds to months, to profit from various market movements, notes T4Trade and InvestingLive. These strategies range from extremely short-term (scalping small price changes) to long-term (position trading major trends), requiring different levels of focus and risk tolerance.

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 without a license?

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.

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).

What is the 2 hour 4 hour rule for food safety?

The 2-hour/4-hour food safety rule dictates how long potentially hazardous foods (like cooked meats, dairy, cooked rice) can safely stay in the "temperature danger zone" (between 40°F/4°C and 140°F/60°C) before bacteria grow to unsafe levels, requiring disposal after 4 hours or sooner in hot weather. If food is out less than 2 hours, refrigerate it; between 2-4 hours, it's still okay to eat but should be refrigerated quickly; over 4 hours, discard it immediately to prevent food poisoning.
 

Can I park my burger van in a layby?

Can I Park My Food Truck in a Layby? Even with proper licensing, parking on public highways requires careful consideration. Each local authority has different rules, and trading without permission can result in fines up to £1,000 and potential vehicle confiscation. This is a common pitfall for new mobile food vendors.

Do food trucks pay for locations?

Although a major draw of owning a food trucks is avoiding rent, most cities have certain zoning restrictions that allow food trucks only in designated areas where they have permission. This means food truck owners do have to pay hefty prices to park in certain areas.