What is a Street trading licence?
- Street trading is the selling, offering or exposing for sale of any item or service in a public street. This includes stalls, shop-front displays, and café tables and chairs with service.
Shop front licence
A shop front licence is needed when a business owner wishes to display a stall or any items in front of their shop. At least 2 metres of clear footpath is needed to allow street trading outside a shop.
A shopkeeper can trade on their own private forecourt without a licence. They cannot let out the space to another trader, unless that person has a licence.
Table and chairs licence
Businesses who want to offer service at outdoor tables and chairs need a licence. At least 2 metres of clear footpath is needed to allow street trading outside a shop.
Stall pitch licence
A stall pitch licence is needed for business owners wishing to operate on a street in any authorised area.
Mobile pitch licence
Businesses will need a mobile pitch licence to operate on a street in an authorised area. The unit must be mobile.
Market licence
A market licence is needed when operating in an outdoor space where three or more stalls are situated.
If a structure is used to display goods and occupies a licensed street trading pitch, the trader must have this licence.
This includes all goods offered or to be offered for sale and any extra equipment used as part of the stall or business.
Street trading licences are issued on a discretionary basis. The success of the application can depend on proposed location and existing footway widths.
More information can be found on our street trading policy.
Fines and penalties
If you trade on public pavement without a valid licence, this can lead to fines and enforcement.
If you suspect unlicensed street trading is taking place, you can email licensing@harrow.gov.uk and provide:
- where and when it happened
- a description of the trader
- the goods they were selling.