Street trading changes

What do you think of food vans and flower sellers at the side of the road?  The council is reviewing its policy on street trading and we want to know what you think.

At the moment the council has little control over street traders but under new proposals they could soon have to apply for permission via a permit to trade.

Phil Andrews, Principal Licensing Officer, explained: "Historically Hertsmere hasn’t had a policy on street trading so we feel it’s time we should.  If we introduced a permit system it would mean we would have control over who was selling what and when.

"In particular, it would authorise us to keep a check on food sellers with regard to food hygiene and we could even add a condition to these permits that all employees undertake training in basic food hygiene."

Under a permit system, council officers would manage the application process and decide whether to grant a permit or not.  They would also be allowed to revoke a permit at any time if there were any issues.  Generally this system doesn't include an appeal process for occasions where a permit is refused but it could be incorporated if deemed necessary.

Another option would be to have a licence system which would be a more formal approach.  This would automatically include a right of appeal if a permit was refused and if we needed to revoke a licence we’d have to apply to the Magistrates' Court.  

Any new policy would cover the whole of Hertsmere apart from certain bits where street trading is already not permitted for safety or other reasons.  These mainly include sections near busy roads and local shops. 

So do you have any thoughts on the proposals?  If so please let us know by 25 November:

Email:
licensing@hertsmere.gov.uk

Write to:
Licensing
Hertsmere Borough Council
Civic Office
Elstree Way
Borehamwood
Herts
WD6 1WA

Call:
020 8207 7435