Becoming A Street Trader
Do I need a licence?
In general, any form of selling of goods or the provision of services which takes place in the street or on the public footway, or up to 7 metres distance from any street, will require a licence. This includes some forecourts to which the public has access without payment. However, there are some exceptions. To find out these exceptions download the information pack which gives further details.
Where can I trade?
Westminster Markets
Trading can take place from either of the five designated street Markets within Westminster. These markets are:-
Berwick Street, Church Street, Rupert Street, Strutton Ground, Tachbrook Street
Isolated Pitches
The Council also licenses parts of streets that are usually referred to as 'isolated pitches'. These are the singular stalls that you will see around
Oxford Street and various other areas within Westminster. However, there are currently no more of these pitches available and the Council's Policy is not to create any new pitches. There is a waiting list, which is used to fill a pitch should one become available, but this is rarely the case.
Exhibitions
For those that wish to sell original artwork, there are two
Artist exhibitions - Green Park and Bayswater Road Exhibition. Only art and craft (except T-shirts and sweat shirts) which are the original work of the licence holder may be sold at Green Park. Only flat art, which is the original work of the licence holder may by sold at Bayswater Road.
What type of licence will I need and how do I apply?
To trade permanently from a market pitch, you will need to apply for a
permanent street trading licence. However, there are currently no vacancies at some of the markets. Where there are no vacancies, there is a
waiting list. If you do not wish to trade permanently, you may apply to join the
Approved Temporary Trading Register so as to trade at one of the markets on a temporary/casual basis.
A permanent licence is required to trade from an isolated pitch. However, there is currently a waiting list, see below.
To trade at an exhibition you will need to apply for a permanent street trading licence.
The following matrix shows the type of licence needed for each market, exhibitions and isolated pitches and shows where there is currently a waiting list:-
Does the Council licence street trading at special events?
The Council issues licences for street trading at many Westminster special events and local events - the most famous of these being the Notting Hill Carnival and the Chinese New Year. For further information regarding special events, please contact the Markets hotline on 020 7641 7822.
How much does it cost to trade?
Please consult the
fees list.
For further information download the street trading information pack.
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