From 27 August 2008 any street trading in Leicester, including peddling, requires a street trading consent. The policy affects ALL streets and public places in Leicester, as shown on the map below.
The policy and supporting code of practice were reviewed in June 2009, and updated for reasons of clarity. The revisions came into effect on 10 June 2009.
Fees for street trading applications are reviewed each year, with changes usually taking effect from April onwards. The next increase will take effect on 1 April 2012, for all applications received from that date.
Application process
Applications must be accompanied by the appropriate fee, and a plan showing the exact location where the applicant proposes to trade. Applications may be made for a consent that lasts for a full 12 months or for 3 months.
Fees are shown in the document below. Please note that these have been updated to show the increased fees that will apply from 1 April 2012. The initial fee must accompany the application form. Any subsequent quarterly payments may be paid by credit card over the telephone (0116 2527000) or via our Online payments service.
Limited consents may be granted in respect of particular types of operations in conjunction with specific events in the City. Please contact the Licensing section for advice before applying for a limited duration consent.
Following receipt of a valid application for street trading consent, the Licensing section will consult with various people, including
A public notice will be displayed on site inviting members of the public to make any comments.
A minimum of two weeks will be allowed for comments to be made to the Licensing section. The matter will then be referred to the Licensing committee for a decision. The whole process may take up to two months from receipt of a valid application.
No street trading may take place until a consent has been granted.
Transfer of consent
A street trading consent may only be transferred on application to the Licensing section. An application form for this purpose is attached below. Once completed the form must be submitted with the original consent and a fee of £26 (£27 from 1 April 2012).
Renewal of consent
An application to renew an existing street trading consent must be made at least one calendar month before it is due to expire. This is to allow time for the necessary consultations to take place and for arrangements to be made for the Licensing Committee to consider the application, if necessary. If a consent is not renewed in time, the previous consent will lapse and street trading will not be permitted.
The fee for renewal is the same as for a new application, and the renewal application form is attached below. Please note the form shows the updated fee that will apply from 1 April 2012.
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Background
In 2005, the City Council's Cabinet resolved to promote a local act of parliament to give additional enforcement powers in relation to street trading (see below). These were granted by parliament in the Leicester City Council Act 2006. A copy of the Act may be downloaded from the link below. Any person suspected of street trading is liable to have the goods being sold and any equipment or container, including a vehicle, being used, seized.
