Consent Street Trading Policy 2026

Convictions guidance - specific information and offences

The following details the Council's general approach when dealing with to certain categories of information or offences for street trading consent application purposes. Each case will be considered on its own merits and circumstances of the offence and any evidence which shows that a person is now a fit and proper person to hold a street trading consent or to be named as a street trading assistant will be taken into consideration.

Dishonesty information and offences

The holders of a street trading consent and their assistants must be persons who can be trusted. It is easy for a dishonest trader or assistant to take advantage of the public. Members of the public using a street trading outlet should be able to expect the holder and assistant to be honest and trustworthy.

For these reasons, a serious view will be taken of any conviction involving dishonesty. Offences include but are not limited to:

• Dishonesty and Fraud - offences relating to theft, fraud, or handling stolen goods are critical, as the role involves financial transactions with the public
• Illegal Trading/Licensing Offences - previous offences for trading without a licence or selling counterfeit/unsafe goods
• Immigration Offences - any convictions or penalties related to illegal working or immigration

A period of five years since the offence or release from custody would be required before an application is considered.

Violence information and offences

As street traders and their assistants have close contact with the public, a firm line will be taken with offences of violence. Applicants or assistants who have committed offences which involved the loss of life will normally be refused a street trading consent.

For other offences, a period of five years since the offence or release from custody would be required before an application is considered.

Drugs Information and Offences

As street traders and their assistants have close contact with the public, and are involved in supplying goods, a firm line will be taken with offences of drugs. Applicants or assistants who have committed offences which involve the supply or importation of drugs will normally be refused a street trading consent.

For other offences, a period of five years since the offence or release from custody would be required before an application is considered.

Sexual and Indecency Information and Offences

As the holders of street trading consents and their assistants, have close contact with the public, including children. Applicants or assistants who have committed sexual offences will normally be refused a street trading consent.

For other offences, a period of five years since the offence or release from custody would be required before an application is considered.

Motoring Information and Offences

In most cases, motoring offences are unlikely to be irrelevant when deciding if an applicant or assistant of a street trading consent is a suitable person. However, there may be instances where the offences are of a very serious nature or are relevant, for example driving under the influence, or without appropriate insurance in place.

In these cases, a period of five years since the offence, release from custody or restoration of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) licence whichever is the latter, would be required before an application is considered.

Other Information and Offences

Schedule 4 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 - The Council takes a serious view on applicants who have been convicted of offences under the 1982 Act. An applicant will normally be refused a licence if they have been convicted of an offence under the 1982 Act at any time during the two years preceding the application or have more than one conviction within the last five years preceding the date of the application.

Formal Cautions and Fixed Penalty Notices

For the purposes of these guidelines, the Council will treat formal cautions issued in accordance with Home Office guidance and fixed penalty notices as though they were a conviction before the courts.