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Street trading licences

You can request information about street trading by the following methods:

Contact the street trading section with any questions about the following types of trading:

Markets

Markets in the borough include those on Lewisham High Street, Catford Broadway, Deptford High Street and Douglas Way.

The only way to get a pitch initially is by casual trading, which means temporarily using a pitch when the permanent licence holder is not there.

You can apply for a permanent licence only after an initial period of casual trading.

What you need

  • your own stall
  • public liability insurance
  • a casual trading licence.

What it costs

Pitches cost between £12 and £24 per day.

Forecourt trading

You need a forecourt trading licence if you want to:

  • display goods on the public footway
  • put tables or chairs on the public footway.

Shops and businesses that own and maintain their own forecourt do not need a licence.

Conditions

  • maximum height of displays: 1.05 metres (3ft 6in)
  • a 2.1 metre (7ft) clear pedestrian footway must be maintained.

What it costs 

  • application fee: £30
  • licence fee: £5 per square metre per week. 

Occasional sales or events

You need a licence if you wish to hold:

  • a temporary market
  • a car boot sale
  • a street event.

You should give at least 28 days’ notice, and include a risk assessment with your application.

What happens next

When you apply for a licence, we will send your details to:

  • the Council's legal practice
  • local councillors
  • the Police
  • trading standards
  • the highways authority for major roads.

When we receive your application, we will respond within 10 days.

Contact us
Street trading section
Wearside Service Centre, Wearside Road, Ladywell SE13 7EZ
Tel: 020 8314 2050