Become a market trader

All of our markets are different in character and style so it is important to understand the market that you are applying for a licence on.

All vacancies on the markets are advertised on our website, and only applications submitted in response to an advertised vacancy will be accepted.

Apply for a temporary licence

We accept applications for temporary licences from potential food and non-food traders who are interested in trading on any vacant market or isolated pitch whilst that vacant pitch is being advertised.

If your application is to sell food or drinks, please read the street trading guidance document before completing the form.

Please review the current vacant pitches and if there is a vacancy that you are interested in, please complete an application form:

Apply for a licence

You will be required to demonstrate that you hold public liability insurance with a minimum cover of £2,000,000 before your application will be granted. Proof of the insurance cover should be supplied with the application.

Please note that if no vacant pitches are being advertised, we will be unable to grant a licence to you. Please therefore wait until a vacancy is advertised before submitting your application. Any application received before a vacancy is advertised will not be considered.

All applications will be processed in accordance with the City of Westminster Act 1999, Street Trading Policy 2013, and the Market Strategy.

Next steps

We will consult with all of the necessary parties (e.g. the council’s City Inspectors and/or Environmental Health Consultation Team) once an application for a temporary licence has been received.

Food applications

Applications for food are subject to a 15 working day consultation period that will begin the working day after the day that the a valid application is received. 

You will receive a response from us within 5 working days of the end of the 15 working day consultation period. If there are no objections, the application will be granted.

If there are any objections, a hearing may be arranged to determine the application but you will receive notification of this in advance.

Non-food applications

Applications for non-food are subject to a 10 working day consultation period that will begin the working day after the day that the a valid application is received. 

You will receive a response from us within 5 working days of the end of the 10 working day consultation period. If there are no objections, the application will be granted.

If there are any objections, a hearing may be arranged to determine the application but you will receive notification of this in advance.

Site visit

An inspection of your stall will be carried out on or shortly after your first day of trading to approve your stall set-up, equipment and operation at the market.

For food traders, an environmental health officer may wish to view your food safety documentation during this inspection.

You will be notified in advance of what documents you will need to have available on the stall.