Mobile Catering Equipment Information & Advice

Understanding the Street Trading Licence Cost: A UK Guide

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December 5, 2025

On December 5, 2025

Thinking about selling your wares on the street in the UK? It’s a great way to get your business off the ground, but before you start, you’ll need to sort out a street trading licence. This can seem a bit confusing, especially when it comes to the cost. There are a few things that affect how much you’ll end up paying, and it’s not just a flat fee. Let’s break down what goes into the street trading licence cost so you know what to expect.

Key Takeaways

The street trading licence cost in the UK isn’t fixed; it really depends on the local council and where you plan to trade.
Factors like whether you need a permanent or temporary licence, the specific pitch location, and any extra council charges all play a part in the total street trading licence cost.
Don’t forget about other expenses that come with trading, such as insurance, necessary certifications (like food hygiene), and any equipment you might need.
Trading without the right licence or breaking the rules can lead to hefty fines, sometimes up to £1,000, which can really hit your profits.
There are some situations where you might not need a licence, like having a pedlar’s certificate or trading on private land, which could save you money.

Understanding The Street Trading Licence Cost

What Determines The Street Trading Licence Cost?

So, you’re thinking about hitting the streets with your mobile catering van or stall? Brilliant! But before you start serving up those tasty treats, you’ll need a street trading licence. The cost of this licence isn’t a fixed price across the UK. It really boils down to a few key things, and the local council you’re dealing with is the biggest player.

Factors Influencing The Overall Street Trading Licence Cost

Several bits and bobs can push the price up or down. Think about these:

Location, Location, Location: Trading in a super busy town centre spot will cost more than a quieter street. Councils often charge more for pitches with higher footfall.
Licence Type: Are you after a permanent pitch or just a temporary one for a specific event or season? Permanent licences usually have a higher overall cost, sometimes paid annually or in instalments.
Pitch Size: Need a bit more space for your van and prep area? A larger pitch might mean a higher fee.
Duration: How long do you need the licence for? A day, a week, a month, or a whole year? The longer the duration, the higher the cost.
Type of Goods: While not always the case, some councils might have different fee structures depending on what you’re selling, especially if it involves food hygiene regulations.

The biggest takeaway here is that there’s no single price. Always check with the specific council where you want to trade.

The Application Fee Itself

When you first apply, there’s usually an application fee. This is basically an admin charge to process your paperwork. It covers the council’s time and effort in reviewing your application, doing necessary checks, and getting everything set up. This fee is often non-refundable, so make sure you’re ready to go before you pay.

This fee is usually paid upfront when you submit your application. It shows you’re serious about the process. If your application is successful, this fee often covers the licence for a set period. If it’s refused, you generally won’t get this money back.

Navigating Licence Application Fees

So, you’re ready to get your street trading licence. The first thing you’ll likely hit is the application fee. This isn’t a fixed price; councils set their own rates. It’s basically an admin charge to process your application, covering the paperwork and checks.

Potential Additional Costs During Application

Beyond the main fee, watch out for a few other bits:

Criminal Record Checks: Often needed, especially for food traders. Expect around £20-£30.
Photos: You might need passport-style photos. These are usually cheap.
Proof of Address: Councils might ask for this.

Always check the council’s website or give them a call to see exactly what’s needed. Avoid last-minute rushes!

When Fees Are Payable

Usually, you pay the application fee when you submit your form. It’s typically non-refundable, so be sure you’re committed. Some councils might ask for a deposit first, but paying upfront with the application is common. This fee often covers the licence itself for a set period if approved. If refused, you generally won’t get the money back, so do your homework first.

Understanding The Application Fee

The application fee is your first financial step towards trading legally. It varies by council and sometimes by location. Think of it as an investment to get your business off the ground. If your application is successful, this fee usually covers the licence for a specific period. If not, it’s generally lost, so make sure you understand the local rules and your chosen pitch before paying.

Costs Associated With Trading Permissions

Permanent Versus Temporary Licence Fees

So, you’re looking at getting a licence. The first thing to get your head around is that not all licences are the same. You’ve got your long-term spots and your short-term ones, and the price reflects that.

Permanent Licences: These are for established pitches, often in busy areas. The fee might be higher overall, or you might pay it annually. It’s for when you’re serious about setting up shop long-term.
Temporary Licences: Thinking of testing the waters at a local festival or a weekend market? A temporary licence is your friend. It’s for a set, shorter period – think days or weeks. The cost will be much less than a permanent one, making it ideal for events or seasonal trading.

The key is matching the licence type to your trading plans to avoid overpaying.

Understanding Licence Duration Costs

This ties in with the permanent vs. temporary idea. How long you need the licence for directly affects the price. A licence that lasts a whole year will naturally cost more than one you only need for a single bank holiday weekend.

Councils often charge pro-rata, meaning you pay for the time you’re actually licensed to trade. So, if you only need a pitch for a specific event, make sure you apply for the shortest duration possible to keep costs down. It’s all about getting the right permission for the right amount of time.

The Impact Of Pitch Location On Cost

Where you want to trade makes a big difference to the licence fee. It’s pretty simple really: prime spots cost more.

High Footfall Areas: Think busy town centres, popular parks, or outside major transport hubs. These places have loads of potential customers, so councils charge a premium for trading there.
Quieter Locations: Trading on a residential street or a less popular spot will usually mean a lower licence fee. There are fewer people walking by, so the council charges less for the permission.
Special Events: Sometimes, specific event locations (like festivals or sporting grounds) have their own set fees, which can be higher due to the concentrated audience.

Always check the council’s fee structure for different zones or types of pitches. What seems like a good spot might come with a higher price tag than you initially expected.

For example, a street food vendor might pay significantly more for a pitch in a city centre market square compared to a quieter street on the edge of town, even if both licences are for 12 months. It’s worth doing your homework on the location’s popularity and the associated costs before you commit.

How To Find Out The Exact Street Trading Licence Cost

Right then, let’s get down to brass tacks about the cost of a street trading licence. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, and councils up and down the UK have their own ways of doing things. The main thing to remember is that the price tag can really vary.

Identify The Correct Local Council

First things first, you need to know which local authority covers the patch where you want to sell your grub or goods. This is dead simple. Just type the street name or postcode into the government’s ‘Find your local council’ tool online. Knowing your council is the absolute first step to getting the right licence cost.

Explore Council Websites For Fee Information

Once you’ve got your council identified, head over to their website. Most councils have a dedicated section for ‘Street Trading’ or ‘Licensing’. Look for application forms and fee schedules. These should give you a good idea of the costs involved for different types of pitches and licences. You might find tables detailing prices for permanent pitches, temporary ones, and maybe even daily rates. For example, a busy spot in a town centre will likely cost more than a quieter pitch on a residential street.

Direct Communication With The Council

If the website isn’t clear, or you can’t find the specific information you need, don’t be shy – give them a shout! Pick up the phone or send an email. Be ready to tell them exactly where you want to trade and for how long. This direct approach is often the quickest way to get precise figures and understand any other requirements. It’s always best to get the costs confirmed in writing to avoid any nasty surprises down the line. This helps you budget properly for your mobile catering business. You can find details for Middlesbrough council, for instance, on their official site if that’s where you plan to trade street trading licence.

Always get the costs in writing from the council. This avoids any nasty surprises down the line and helps you budget properly for your mobile catering business.

Exemptions And Potential Cost Savings

Right, let’s talk about how you might be able to save some cash on your street trading licence. It’s not always a given that you’ll need one, and sometimes there are clever ways to cut down on costs. We’ll look at when you might be exempt, what a pedlar’s certificate is all about, and what happens if you’re thinking about trading on private land.

When A Licence Might Not Be Required

So, you might be surprised to learn that not everyone selling stuff on the street needs a full-blown street trading licence. There are a few situations where you’re actually exempt. This is good news because it means no application fees, no annual charges, and less paperwork to worry about. Keep these in mind:

Pedlars: If you’re a pedlar, you can trade without a licence, but you’ll need a Pedlar’s Certificate. We’ll cover that next.
Market Traders: If you’re trading at a proper, licensed market, you usually don’t need your own street trading licence. The market itself has the permission.
News Vendors: Selling just newspapers and magazines? You’re often exempt, as long as you stick to certain rules.
Roundsmen: If you have regular customers and deliver goods to them, like a milkman, you’re generally exempt.

Understanding Pedlar’s Certificates

If you plan to move around and sell goods directly to people, a Pedlar’s Certificate might be your ticket. It’s different from a street trading licence. You apply for it from the police, not the council. It’s generally cheaper and allows you to trade on the street, but you can’t have a fixed stall or pitch. This is a great option if you’re a sole trader with a simple setup.

Trading On Private Land Considerations

This is a bit of a grey area, but generally, if you’re trading on private land, the street trading laws don’t apply. Think of a private car park or a field you’ve hired for an event. However, you’ll still need permission from the landowner. Some councils might still have rules about what you can do, so it’s always worth a quick chat with them to be safe. You might also need other permissions depending on what you’re selling, especially food.

Remember, these exemptions and alternatives can save you a significant amount of money and hassle. Always double-check with your local council or the relevant authorities to confirm your specific situation.

Penalties For Non-Compliance

Right, let’s talk about the not-so-fun stuff: what happens if you don’t play by the rules. Getting caught trading without a licence or breaking the conditions of the one you have can really hit your wallet. It’s not just about a slap on the wrist; there are real financial consequences.

Fines For Trading Without A Licence

If you’re found selling your food or goods on the street without the proper licence, you’re looking at a hefty fine. Councils take this seriously because it affects local planning and fairness to licensed traders. Don’t risk trading illegally; it’s just not worth the potential cost. For example, one shop owner was fined over £1,300 for street trading rule breaches, which included court costs and surcharges.

Consequences Of Breaching Licence Conditions

Even if you have a licence, you’ve got to stick to the rules. These conditions are there for a reason – usually safety, public order, or to stop nuisance. If you ignore them, you could face:

Suspension: Your licence might be taken away for a period.
Withdrawal: They could cancel your licence altogether.
Fines: You could be fined up to £1,000 for each offence.

Think about things like:

Pitch location: Are you sticking to your designated spot?
Operating hours: Are you trading within the times allowed?
Noise and smells: Are you causing a disturbance to residents or other businesses?
Vehicle safety: Is your trading unit safe and compliant with food hygiene and health and safety laws?

Always check the specific conditions attached to your licence. They can vary quite a bit depending on the council and the type of trading you’re doing. Being aware of these rules upfront can save you a lot of hassle and money down the line.

The Financial Impact Of Licence Suspension

Having your licence suspended or withdrawn means you can’t trade. This directly impacts your income. If you’re a mobile caterer, this could mean:

Lost earnings for the period of suspension.
Potential costs to rectify the issues that led to the suspension.
Difficulty getting a licence back in the future.

So, What’s the Bottom Line?

Right then, we’ve covered a fair bit about street trading licence costs in the UK. It’s not always straightforward, is it? The main thing to remember is that the price can change a lot depending on where you want to set up shop and which council is in charge. Always, and I mean always, get in touch with your local council first to get the real figures and understand all the bits and bobs involved. Don’t forget about the potential fines if you don’t get it sorted – nobody wants that kind of headache. It might seem a bit much at first, but getting your licence sorted properly means you can get on with trading without any worries. Best of luck out there!

Frequently Asked Questions

So, how much does this street trading licence actually cost?

Right, the price tag for a street trading licence isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. It really depends on where you want to set up shop. Different councils have different prices, and sometimes it even depends on the specific spot you’re eyeing. Think of it like renting a stall at a market – some spots are pricier than others!

Are there any hidden costs I should know about besides the licence fee?

You bet! Besides the main licence fee, you might need to sort out insurance, which is super important for protecting yourself. Depending on what you’re selling, you might need specific certificates, especially if you’re dealing with food. And of course, don’t forget the cost of your stall, van, or any equipment you need to get started.

What happens if I forget to get a licence or break the rules?

Uh oh, that’s not a good idea! If you’re caught trading without a licence, you could be looking at a hefty fine, potentially up to £1,000. And if you have a licence but don’t stick to the rules, they can also hit you with fines, or even take your licence away. It’s definitely cheaper to do things properly from the start.

Can I trade without a licence at all?

Sometimes, yes! There are a few situations where you might be exempt. For example, if you have a Pedlar’s Certificate, you might be able to trade without a full street trading licence, but you’ll need to check with the local council. Also, trading on your own private land usually doesn’t require a street trading licence, but again, it’s best to be sure.

What’s the difference between a permanent and temporary licence fee?

Good question! A permanent licence is usually for a longer-term spot, and the fee might be higher overall or spread out over time. A temporary licence, on the other hand, is for short periods, like a few days or weeks, and the fee will reflect that shorter duration. So, if you’re just testing the waters, a temporary one might be the way to go.

How do I actually find out the exact cost for where I want to trade?

The best way to get the nitty-gritty on costs is to get in touch with the local council for the area you’re interested in. You can usually find their details on their website. They’ll be able to tell you exactly what fees apply, what forms you need, and any other requirements you’ll have to meet. Don’t be shy, just give them a shout!