Street trading licences

Street trading means selling, offering or exposing for sale any article, including a living thing, in any street.

A licence means permission granted by Trafford Council to trade on a licensed street.

You need a street trading licence to trade on any street in Zone A, unless the street is listed as prohibited.

Trading in Zone A can only take place at a specific pitch on designated event days.

You can find full details in the following documents:

If you are interested in trading in any Zone A location, contact the Licensing Team first to discuss available pitches.

Email licensing@trafford.gov.uk

Documents you must provide

When you apply for a street trading licence, you must upload all required documents. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

About the applicant

You must include

  • One current colour passport-style photograph
  • Proof of National Insurance number, such as a payslip or Universal Credit statement
  • Proof of address dated within the last three months, such as a gas, electric, water or council tax bill
  • Mobile phone bills and arrears letters are not accepted
  • A basic DBS certificate dated within the last 12 months (pages 1 and 2)

General documents

You must also provide

  • A current insurance certificate that covers street trading for public and third-party liability of at least £5 million
  • One colour photograph of the catering unit or vehicle, showing its size
  • Written permission from the landowner if trading on private land, and planning permission if it is required
  • Written confirmation from the Greenspace team if trading in a council-owned park
  • A list of the articles you plan to sell, confirming that no restricted articles will be sold. A list of restricted articles is available in Appendix 7 of the Street Trading Policy 2024 (PDF)

Employee information

Provide the following details for each employee

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Contact information
  • Date of birth
  • National Insurance number

For food businesses

You must also include

  • A copy of your Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) certificate or registration details
  • A valid Gas Safety certificate if any gas appliances are used
  • A Waste Carrier’s Licence if you transport waste as part of your business activities

Mobile units such as ice cream vans or trailers

You must also provide

  • A DVLA driving licence for each driver
  • Vehicle insurance documents for the van or towing vehicle
  • The latest MOT certificate, or if required, a valid HGV, bus or trailer MOT certificate

You can read more about MOT requirements for heavy vehicles on GOV.UK.

Fees

Type Fee
Annual licence (12 months) £1,914.56
One-day event licence £99.75 per day

Payment

You must pay your licence fee online before completing the application form.

  1. Go to the online payment form

  2. Select Licensing from the All categories dropdown menu

  3. Select Apply

  4. Choose Street Trading Licence

  5. Make your payment

You will receive a payment receipt reference. You must enter this reference on your application form.

Make the payment

How to apply

After paying your fee, complete the application form and upload your documents.

You must include your payment receipt number on the form. Applications without a valid payment reference will be rejected.

Complete your street trading licence application

After you apply

It usually takes up to seven working days to process your application.

  • Your licence will state
  • The streets you can trade in
  • The days and times you can trade
  • The goods you are permitted to sell