Street trading licences
Barnet has adopted the London Local Authorities Act 1990.
- A licence is required to trade on the public highway, including the pavement, or any other area (not within a permanently enclosed premises) that is within seven metres of any road or footway.
- Street trading is the selling, offering or exposing for sale of any item or service in the street. This includes not only stalls but shop-front displays, and café tables and chairs with service.
- A shop keeper can trade on his or her own private forecourt without a licence, but cannot let out the space to another trader, unless that person has a licence.
- A licence is for the sole use of the person named. It specifies the location and position, commodities or service that may be sold, and the days and times that the licence holder may trade.
- A licence holder who trades with a time-expired licence, or on a day or at a time or place other than that stated in his licence, is trading illegally.
Officers are authorised under the powers granted by the London Local Authorities Act 1990 (as amended) to issue warnings, seize goods with a view to permanent retention and disposal, and to prosecute offenders.
Designated sites
Designated sites are currently allocated, and we do not foresee any re allocation in the the near future.
Temporary sites
Temporary licences can be issued for sites anywhere in the borough, but only at locations deemed suitable. Licences are issued at the council's discretion. They last up to six months, but may be renewed. The licensing officer would consider the following factors in making their decision, whether:
- pedestrians or vehicles were obstructed.
- Shouting, loud music or cooking smells would cause a nuisance.
- Trailing cables, dangerous gas installations or storage on the ground where people might trip would be considered safety hazards.
Street Markets
Applications to hold street markets must be submitted in the same way as other street trading applications. However you may wish to speak to us before submitting your application, to ensure that your proposed location is suitable and that the dates you have chosen are free. Please note that we require at least 2 months notice of the event.
Licence fees
The fee for a licence is 1.32p per square metre per day. However to make applying for a licence easier we have adopted the following fees in relation to tables and chairs and displays of goods.
Licence fees for six months dependant on size:
- Upto 3 square metres - £100
- 3 - 10 square metres - £300
- 10 - 15 square metres - £600
- Above 15 square metres (max. 25 square metres) - £900
Application forms and guidance
- application form for a temporary street trading licence
(PDF 87Kb). - guidance notes for making a temporary street trading licence application (PDF 80.3Kb)
- standard conditions for a temporary street trading licence (PDF 80.3Kb)
- street trading enforcement guide (PDF 73.6Kb)
For further information, please see our contact details below.
