Street Trading Consent

Street Trading

“Street Trading” means the selling or exposing or offering for sale of any article (including a living thing) in any street, road, footway, or other area to which the public have access without payment. This covers items like burgers, baked potatoes, flowers, gifts, jewellery etc but does not include services, such as motoring organisation memberships etc.   All roads, streets, footways, forecourts and other areas to which the public have access without payment within the Borough have been designated as consent streets, and as such trading is prohibited without first obtaining a Street Trading Consent from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. The exceptions are:

• Trading as a Pedlar under certificate from the Police
• A market trader operating at a licensed market venue
• A vendor selling only newspapers or periodicals

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and should themselves look around for what they consider to be a suitable site.  It is important to bear in mind certain factors when considering the suitability of a site, particularly prevailing traffic conditions and whether any obstruction is likely to be caused. Is the land private and if so, has the landowner/lessee’s permission been obtained, is the proposed site infringing on a shopkeepers territory, or is it within the vicinity of another trader selling the same or similar products etc.  The exception is within Solihull Town Centre, which has 5 agreed pitches all of which are currently taken.  Expressions of interest in these sites are maintained on a register and, should a Town Centre site become available, the opportunity to apply will be given to the next in line.  A map of the Town Centre showing the location of the sites is available to download from the right.

Once a suitable site has been found, a completed application form must be returned, together with a map showing the exact location and a photograph of the proposed stall, van or trailer.  Proof of Public Liability Insurance cover will also be required prior to any consent being issued.  It is important to read the application form carefully and ensure that all required documentation is submitted with the form, as if anything is missing the application will be considered incomplete and returned.

Traders should be aware of the legislation in relation to mobile street trading and the use of loudspeakers, bells etc.  (These shall not be used after 19:00 hours)

Before a Street Trading Consent which involves the preparation and sale of food in any form is granted, the vehicle, stall or trailer must be registered as a food business and anyone intending to work at the site must be in possession of a current Food Hygiene Certificate.  Contact the Food Safety Team on 0121 704 8000 or connectcc@solihull.gov.uk for further information and advice.

Following receipt of a valid application, there is a 21 day consultation period allowing agencies such as the Police, other Council departments and members of the public to comment on the proposals should they wish to do so.  At the end of this period, the application will go forward to the Licensing Sub Committee for final decision. The Council is under no duty to grant a Street Trading Consent and need not specify grounds for refusal. There is no right of appeal against the refusal to grant consent.

Occasional Street Trading

The sale of goods at a one off event to which the public have access, such as a street performance, festival or fundraising event, is covered by an Occasional Street Trading consent.  Applicants will be required to submit their application at least 10 days prior to the event to allow for consultations to be made with the relevant authorities.  Proof of Public Liability insurance and the fee must accompany the application. 

Events organised by Solihull MBC are subject to a slightly different process, contact Town Centre Management on 0121 704 6546 for further information.

Application forms, schedule of fees and the Street Trading Policy are available to download here, or an information pack may be requested by contacting the Licensing Team on 0121 704 6830 or licensing@solihull.gov.uk  

Busking

You do not need a licence for busking, however you should first register with Town Centre Management (0121 704 6546) and ensure that you abide by the guidelines.  If you intend to sell CDs, you must first apply for an Occasional Street Trading Consent, giving at least 10 days notice to allow the application to be processed.