Street trading licences

Information about Street trading and how to apply for a Street Trading Licence or Consent.

Street Trading is defined as the selling or offering for sale of any article in the street. For example food such as burgers, kebabs, doughnuts etc. or other things such as household items e.g. gifts, toys, jewellery etc.

Street Trading is prohibited without the consent of Solihull Council, which controls such activity on any land to which the public have access without payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Street Trading Licence?

In order to trade anywhere in the Borough you must obtain a Street Trading consent from the Council, unless you are:

• Genuinely trading as a Pedlar under certificate from the Police
• A market trader operating at a licensed market venue
• A news vendor selling only newspapers and periodicals (as described in law)

Is there an age limit?

You must be at least seventeen years of age

What must I consider when applying for a licence?

Solihull Council do not keep a list of "pitches", it is up to the individual applicant to find a site they consider suitable, whilst having regard to the following:

• Traffic hazards
• Landlord's permission if on private land
• No infringement on other shop keepers' territory
• No other trader nearby selling the same or similar products
• The products offered for sale are appropriate
• The proposed vehicle/stall is appropriate
• Applicants wishing to sell any type of food must be in possession of a Food Hygiene Certificate and be registered with the Local Authority for food sales
• Public Liability Insurance up to the value of £5 million is required.

How do I apply?

Application forms and information are available to download via the links above, or contact the Licensing Office for an information pack.

What happens next?

Your application will be considered by Members of the Licensing Sub Committee following consultations with some, or all, of the following:

• The Council's legal advisors
• Solihull Police
• Food Safety - Solihull MBC
• Environmental Protection - Solihull MBC
• Transport & Highways - Solihull MBC
• Town Centre Management Group
• Any other body deemed appropriate

Local residents and businesses who may be affected by your application, are also entitled to comment on your application. A consent may not be granted if:

• Justifiable opposition is received from consultees
• There is a risk to road safety
• There is a risk to health and safety
• There is a possible risk of a nuisance being created

Can licences and consents be revoked?

Yes. This may be for a variety of reasons such as:

• Not complying with conditions
• Non payment
• Re-development of the area
• Public safety

You will be given as much notice as possible if your Consent is not to be renewed or is going to be revoked. If your application is refused you may discuss this with the appropriate Council Officers as, other than a Judicial review, there is no statutory right of appeal against the Council's decision.

I want to act as a busker, do I need a licence for this?

You do not need a licence for busking, but you must register with the Town Centre Management Group and follow the guidelines given in the Code of Practice. If you wish to sell CDs or tapes, you must apply for a Street Trading consent.