Street trading

Street trading is selling, offering to sell, or displaying items for sale, including hot and cold food, in a street or any other public area.

Street trading is governed by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.  There are also other restrictions and requirements in relation to trading activities which will be covered as part of the application process.  Private areas of land are also likely to be subject to street trading requirements. Please contact licensing@crawley.gov.uk to discuss this.

We have a list of approved locations in the borough where street trading is permitted if you have consent from us. These are known as ‘consent streets’.

There are conditions that apply to street traders and associated activities. Read the conditions below:

Complete our online form to apply for street trading consent for the first time or renew an existing consent.

If you sell food, you will need to register your food businesses with us as well as applying for a street trading licence. To register a new food business, visit our Food premises registration webpage.

Once your food registration form has been received by our Food Team, they will contact you to arrange to inspect the unit or premises where food is prepared and stored.

The council does not issue street trading consents for the Town Centre unless the business is part of the local market or an official event.

If you are interested in trading at the market, email joseph.carey@crawley.gov.uk, Town Centre Manager.

For organised events held in parks, email events@crawley.gov.uk.

For general health and safety information for market and event traders, see the guidance below:

For current street trading fees, visit our Fees and charges webpage.