Apply for this licence
Contact the council for a street trading licence if you want to trade on the street in Northern Ireland.
You don’t need a licence if:
- you have a pedlar’s certificate and follow the rules for pedlars
- you’re selling newspapers or magazines from a container or bag that you carry
- you’re visiting homes or businesses
You might have to pay for rubbish collection, street cleaning or other council services.
The council might issue temporary licences. These last up to 7 days and are normally only given for special events or festivals. You can have a maximum of 5 temporary street trading licences a year.
If you employ someone to help you, they don’t need their own licence, but they must obey the conditions on yours.
Restrictions
A licence lasts for 3 years, after which you will need to renew it.
You must have reached school leaving age.
How to apply
Contact the council for the area where you want to trade. You will have to tell them where and when you want to trade.
You might have to provide 2 photographs of yourself, and other documents such as a public liability insurance certificate.
You will have to pay the fee set by the council.
The council can refuse your application if the location is unsuitable or you make false statements in your application.
Displaying your licence
You must display your name and licence number clearly on your vehicle, stall, holder or bag.
You must have your licence with you when you trade, and must show it to an inspector if asked.
Fines and penalties
If you don’t obey the conditions of your licence, you can be fined up to £1,000, and your goods and any vehicle, stalls, containers or bags can be taken from you.
If you keep on breaking your licence conditions or being late with council payments, you can lose your licence.
If you trade without a licence, you can be fined up to £1,000, and your goods and any vehicle, stalls, containers or bags can be taken from you.