Street trading in Tamworth Borough

Tamworth Borough Council recognises the valuable contribution that street trading can make to communities, culture and the local economy.

It is Tamworth Borough Council’s intention that the application of the Street Trading Policy, together with the proper application of street trading law in a consistent, fair and proportionate way will benefit the people who live, work in and visit Tamworth.

Objectives of the Street Trading Policy are:- 

  • To help protect public health and safety.
  • To help safeguard public places that may be adversely affected by undesirable or uncontrolled street trading activities.
  • To ensure that traders operate within the law and act fairly in their dealings with the public; and to prevent, nuisance, unsafe practices and anti-social behaviour. 
  • To promote a flexible approach in relation to applicants seeking to operate new street trading businesses in Tamworth.
  • To provide applicants and Consent Holders with advice and guidance on the Council’s approach to the administration and enforcement of street trading. 
  • To enable the Council to deal with street trading applications and consents in a consistent, transparent, fair and proportionate way. 

Tamworth Borough Council has designated all streets within the borough as consent streets, with the exception of the A5 dual carriageway and Lower Gungate from it’s junction at Spinning School Lane and Little Church Lane which is designated as prohibited streets. There are no licensed streets in Tamworth.

Street trading consent is needed for trading on all streets, laybys, pavements, or any land, including verges which are privately owned and the public can access, unless payment is made for entry. This includes private land car parks such as at supermarkets or pubs.  Please see below on how to apply:-

Apply for a street trading consent

In this section

  1. How do I apply?
  2. How do I apply for a basic disclosure check?
  3. Will I need to apply for anything else?
  4. How long does an application for a consent take?
  5. How long will my street trading consent be valid for and can it be revoked?
  6. Can I get a replacement consent?
  7. How do I renew my street trading consent?
  8. Can I transfer my consent to new owner?
  9. Special Events

How do I apply?
All applicants must be 17 years of age or above.

Please download and complete the street trading application form.

The following need to be submitted with the application:

  • a completed and signed street trading application form
  • Environmental Health Fees & Charges *
  • where the proposed activity will take place at a fixed position, a map should be submitted clearly identifying the proposed location by marking the site boundary with a red line.
  • A description and colour photographs of the trading unit illustrating different elevations of the unit.
  • a copy of the Public Liability Insurance Certificate (£5m minimum)
  • evidence of permission from the landowner if on private ground like DIY superstore car park, supermarket car park, retail or leisure facility car park, public house car park or similar
  • basic Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate  (must be less than 1 months old from the date of issue)
  • Food Hygiene Certificate – (for food-led traders)

If you are an ice cream van operator, you will need to follow the code of practice on noise from ice cream van chimes in England 2013 issued by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). See Defra operating guidelines ice-cream van chimes.  You will also be required to submit a list of streets you intend on visiting.

*Our Environmental Health Fees & Charges explains how to pay for a street trading consent. If you have paid by debit or credit card, then you must include a copy of your receipt with the application.

Please inform us should you wish to pay by monthly Direct Debit.

Please submit your application form(s) together with the fee and any supporting documentation if applicable to publicprotection@tamworth.gov.uk Failure to do this will result in your application being rejected and you will be required to re-submit all the necessary documentation at the same time. 

How do I apply for a basic disclosure check?
Applicants may obtain their criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. 

Your disclosure is only valid for 1 month from the date that the disclosure was issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Will I need to apply for anything else?
If you intend to operate a food business in the city you must register your food business with the Food and Safety team. Registration for food is free and involves Register a food business.

If you are  intending to sell hot food and drink at anytime between 23.00 and 05.00 you will also be required to apply for a premises licence.

If you are intending to sell alcohol at any time you will be required to apply for a premises licence, personal alcohol licence and or a temporary event notice.  Please see our Alcohol and Premises page for more information.

How long does an application for a consent take?
When an application is submitted, a 10-day statutory consultation period will follow starting no later than 5 days after we receive a valid application and fee.

This allows time for the consultees to give their responses to the application – known as ‘representations’. This is done by considering the street trading policy.

How long will my street trading consent be valid for and can it be revoked?
A street trading consent cannot be granted for a period of time exceeding twelve months and can be revoked at any time.

Can I get a replacement consent?
Yes, please email publicprotection@tamworth.gov.uk with your request and Environmental Health Fees & Charges

How do I renew my street trading consent?
Please follow the instructions in section How do I apply?

Can I transfer my consent to new owner?
The consent cannot be transferred to another owner. The new owner must apply for a new street trading consent.

Special Events 
If you are trading as part of a special event and Tamworth Borough Council have deemed this to be an authorised event then you will not be required to apply for a street trading consent.