4. Our revised proposal following the Summer 2016 consultation
We proposed that if anyone wants to street trade throughout the whole of the district, they would have to apply to us for permission and we would either grant or refuse them a licence to trade. As a result of the previous consultation we proposed that the exception to this was Sidmouth, which would remain the same with a general ban on street trading in Sidmouth apart from during Folk Week.
As part of this:
- There would be many standards that street traders / street markets will have to meet before we consider giving them permission. This will include taking into account what nearby static businesses sell, trying to avoid them selling the same things.
- A variety of consultees would be told about each street trading application, asked for their views and their views would be taken into consideration.
- We would charge a fee to people who apply to us for a licence to street trade.
- Legislation would allow for consent to trade to be revoked at any time in certain circumstances.
- Honiton High Street and part of Axminster town centre have ancient charters that allow their regular markets to take place. This proposal didn't apply to these areas as the charter exempts it from being controlled by this more modern legislation.
There were a few other exceptions to the proposals, because these are not subject to the controls, see pages 2 and 3 of the draft policy. Including:
- Anyone who trades as a pedlar under a pedlar’s certificate granted under the Pedlars Act 1871 would be exempt from the proposed new policy.
- Fees would not be charged for consent to street trade for fetes or community events held for charitable purposes and fees for farmer’s markets would be subject to the policy but at a reduced fee.
Proposed new street trading policy
The aim of this proposal was to create a street trading environment which complimented permanent businesses, was sensitive to the needs and amenities of residents, provided customer choice, and sought to improve the character and ambience of local environments.
We wanted this change to compliment rather than compete with our existing shops and businesses and encourage even more local producers and artisans. We would explore ways of joining street trading to other support to our towns and local economies including promotions and publicity, car parking charge flexibility, street closures, entertainment and events.