How to apply for a street trading licence or pitch permit

Ready to hit the streets? Let's get you licensed.

Getting your food truck on the road is exciting, but before you can start serving customers, you need to get the right permissions. In the UK, this means applying for a street trading licence or permit from the local council for every area you want to trade in. It might sound like a bit of a headache, but it’s a crucial step to make sure you’re operating legally. Every council has its own set of rules, so the key is to be organised and do your homework.

This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Step 1: Pinpoint Your Councils

First things first, where do you actually want to trade? Your perfect pitch might be in one council area, but you might want to attend markets or events in several others. Make a list of all the local authorities you plan to operate in. You’ll need to contact each one individually, as a licence from one council isn’t valid in another.

Step 2: Find the Right Page on the Council Website

This can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. Head to the website for each council on your list and look for the ‘Licensing’ section. Try searching for key phrases like:

• Street trading licence
• Mobile food trader permit
• Market pitch application
• Street trading consent

If you get stuck, don’t be afraid to ring the council’s main switchboard and ask to be put through to the Licensing team. They’ll point you in the right direction.

Step 3: Understand the Local Rules

Once you’ve found the right department, take some time to read their specific rules. Councils have different ways of managing street trading. Some might have:

• Designated Pitches: Specific, marked-out spots that they grant licences for, often with a waiting list.
• Consent Streets: Entire streets or areas where licensed traders are allowed to operate.
• Prohibited Streets: Areas where no street trading is allowed at all, usually busy high streets.

A quick tip: Pay close attention to the difference between trading on public land (the street) and private land (like a festival, an office car park, or a pub garden). You generally don't need a council's street trading licence for private land, but you absolutely need the landowner's permission and must still comply with all food safety laws.

Step 4: Get Your Paperwork in Order

Councils will ask for a lot of information to make sure you’re a legitimate and safe operator. While the exact list varies, you should have these documents ready to go:

• Proof of ID and Address: Standard stuff, like a driving licence and utility bill.
• Vehicle Details: The registration number, make, model, and dimensions of your truck or trailer.
• Insurance Documents: You will need a valid certificate for your specialist food truck insurance, which includes Public Liability cover.
• Food Business Registration: Proof that you have registered as a food business with your home council.
• Safety Certificates: Valid gas and electrical safety certificates for your vehicle are essential.
• Waste Disposal Plan: A short description of how you will legally dispose of your commercial waste, including grey water.

Having these ready will make the application process much smoother.

Step 5: Complete and Submit Your Application

Fill out the application form carefully and honestly. Most are online these days. Be prepared to pay a fee when you submit – this can range from under £100 to over £1,000, depending on the council and the type of licence. This fee is usually non-refundable, even if your application is rejected, so make sure you’ve got everything right!

What to Expect Next

Getting a licence isn’t instant. After you apply, there’s usually a ‘consultation period’ where the council might ask for the opinions of local residents, businesses, or the police. This process can take several weeks, or even a few months, so it’s vital to apply well in advance of when you want to start trading.

Once approved, you’ll receive your official licence. Make sure you read all the terms and conditions, as these will dictate your trading hours, the exact spot you can use, and rules on things like noise or signage. Keep it safe, and get ready to trade!