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Street Trading

Please note: Bassetlaw District Council’s current Street Trading Policy remains in force until 23 April 2026.

The guidance below applies to the updated 2026 Street Trading Policy, which comes into force on 24 April 2026.

Street Trading Consents

Bassetlaw District Council’s updated Street Trading Policy provides a clear framework for how street trading is managed across the district. The Policy aims to support economic activity and community vibrancy while protecting public safety, ensuring accessibility, and preventing nuisance.

This policy applies to anyone selling, exposing, or offering for sale any article—food, non food, or a living thing—on any street or public space where the public has access without payment.

For enquiries or application forms, email licensing@bassetlaw.gov.uk 

What the Policy Covers

Street Trading includes the sale or offer for sale of goods from:

  • Roads and footways
  • Highways
  • Open spaces accessible to the public without payment
  • Stalls, units, or vehicles (whether stationary or moving)

It applies regardless of whether the trader stays in one place or moves between locations.

Types of Street Trading Consents

Bassetlaw District Council issues the following consents:

1) Street Trading Consent (Fixed Pitch)

For stalls, units, or vehicles trading regularly from a single designated location.

2) Mobile Trading Consent

For traders who move from place to place. Mobile traders must:

  1. Move continually;
  2. Not stay in one location for longer than 20 minutes;
  3. Move at least 50 metres from the previous location;
  4. Not return to the same location within 4 hours;
  5. Not trade within 100 metres of any school or college during 07:30–18:00 unless formally invited.

Typical examples: ice cream vans, burger vans, mobile sandwich sellers.

3) Community & Charity Trading Consent

For events run not for profit by registered charities or recognised community groups. Traders must contribute financially to the charitable or community benefit.

4) Special Events Trading Consent

For commercial events (e.g. fetes, car boot sales, carnivals) where organisers intend to make commercial gain.

One consent covers all traders under the control of the event organiser.

5) Premise Pitch Consent (New for 2026)

A Premise Pitch Consent allows a business trading from a fixed structure—such as a pub or venue—to host different mobile traders on a designated pitch within the curtilage of their premises.

This type of consent enables businesses to legally host rotating food or retail units (e.g. themed food nights), while ensuring consistent safety and regulatory standards.

How Premise Pitch Consents Work

  • The business identifies a designated pitch entirely within its boundary (not on the highway).
  • Only Mobile Trading Consent holders may trade from the pitch.
  • While on the pitch, certain Mobile Trading conditions are relaxed: 
    • The trader may remain longer than 20 minutes;
    • The 4 hour return rule does not apply;
    • The 100 metre school restriction may be disapplied (except where special hours apply).

Important Rules for Premise Pitch Consents

  • Only one trader may occupy the pitch at any time.
  • The service hatch must face inside the premises’ boundary—trading directly onto a public highway is not permitted.
  • The business remains responsible for ensuring any hosted trader: 
    • Holds a valid Mobile Trading Consent;
    • Displays their identification plate;
    • Is compliant with relevant food safety, gas/electrical safety, insurance and right to work requirements.
  • The business must ensure planning permission permits trading use of the land.
  • The pitch location must meet safety criteria (no obstruction, safe customer access, suitable lighting, etc.).
  • The Council may revoke a Premise Pitch Consent if unlicensed traders are found trading from it.

Evidence Required for Premise Pitch Applications

Premise Pitch applications follow the same process as fixed pitch consents with the following documents NOT required:

  • Food hygiene certificates
  • Waste carrier agreement
  • Electrical and gas safety certificates
  • Right to work evidence
  • Photographs
  • Background checks

However, the applicant must provide evidence showing they are the landowner or have the landowner’s permission.

Exemptions (No Consent Required)

You do not need a Street Trading Consent for:

  • Trading under a Pedlar’s Certificate
  • Trading at a market or fair lawfully established
  • News vendors
  • Trading from a petrol filling station or adjoining shop premises
  • Trading as a Roundsman delivering pre ordered goods
  • Activities authorised under the Highways Act 1980 (Part VIIA)
  • Activities authorised under Section 5 of the Police, Factories, etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916 for charitable purposes

Applying for a Street Trading Consent (Fixed Pitch)

To apply, submit a complete application including:

  • Completed application form
  • Full fee
  • Proof of address
  • 1:1250 scale site plan
  • £5 million Public Liability Insurance
  • Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (if applicable)
  • Waste carrier agreement
  • Electrical/Gas safety certificates (if applicable)
  • Right to work evidence
  • Landowner consent (private land)
  • Evidence of planning approval or exemption
  • Photographs (internal and external)
  • A4 yellow site notice
  • Basic Criminal Background Check (issued within 3 months)

Consultation Period

A 28 day consultation will take place.

Unresolved objections or relevant convictions result in referral to a Licensing Sub Committee.

Mobile Trading Consent Applications

Applications must include:

  • Completed form
  • Food Hygiene Certificate (if applicable)
  • Electrical/Gas safety certificates (if applicable)
  • £5 million Public Liability Insurance
  • Right to work evidence
  • Vehicle photographs
  • MOT, insurance, and VED
  • Basic Criminal Background Check (within 3 months)

Charitable & Community Event Trading Consent

Applications (submitted by the Event Organiser) must include:

  • Completed form
  • Fee
  • 1:1250 map (if fixed pitch)
  • £5 million Public Liability Insurance
  • Food hygiene and safety documents (if applicable)
  • List of traders and goods
  • Evidence the event is not-for-profit
  • Evidence traders financially contribute to the charitable/community beneficiary

Special Events Trading Consent

Applications must be made at least 8 weeks before the event and must include:

  • Trader list
  • Goods offered
  • Full fee
  • Required safety/insurance/right to work documents
  • Temporary Event Notice if selling alcohol or serving hot food/drink after 23:00

Events with more than 1500 attendees require a full event plan.

Enforcement

Authorised Officers may carry out inspections at any time.

Failure to comply with legislation or consent conditions may result in:

  • Suspension or revocation of consent
  • Prosecution
  • Civil injunctions
  • Police involvement where public safety or order is at risk

Last Updated on Tuesday, March 24, 2026