We are carrying out a consultation on the draft Street Trading Policy and we would appreciate your views to shape the new proposed policy. The draft policy is seeking to replace the current regulations which the Council adopted in 2015.

The main aim of the proposed policy is to provide a framework us to administer and regulate street trading ensuring a consistent approach is taken. The policy will serve as a reference for licence holders, enforcement officers, other responsible authorities and the Licensing Committee, as to our intended vision and approach to street trading activities in the City. It will also strengthen the decision-making process for applications and support our position should issues arise.

The draft policy recognises the importance of street trading to the city and that it can add to the vibrancy and vitality contributing positively to our corporate plan of a prosperous local economy, healthy and active city, building great neighbourhoods and communities and a net zero carbon city.

In summary, the main changes to the draft policy are:

1. Mandatory requirement for basic DBS Checks on applicants and staff – in line with other Councils, the working group felt strongly that DBS checks should be introduced to enhance our role in maintaining public safety.
2. An assessment framework for officers to completed as part of the application process – Birmingham City Council had an effective scoring matrix to be able to assess all applications in a consistent and transparent manner. This assessment would then be presented as an appendix to the reports pack, to aid the Licensing Sub Committee in determining all initial applications.
3. Enhanced health and safety requirements – the working group were keen to see an enhanced focus on all aspects of health and safety, but in particular with respect to gas and electrical safety. Therefore, a number of mandatory requirements have been proposed to ensure that safety checks are being conducted.
4. Schools and Educational Establishments – the working group were keen that the policy should provide greater clarity with respect to trading around schools and educational establishments. The proposed policy seeks to prohibit any trading withing a 250m radius of a school between Monday to Fridays 08:00 and 16:00 hrs during term times.
5. Emissions Standards – we have a clear aspiration to be Net Zero by 2030. As part of this aspiration, our policies are also seeking to meet the same commitment. Therefore, the policy sets out a proposal for all Street Traders to be zero emissions by 2030.
6. Enhancement of Green Spaces – the policy seeks to remove key green spaces from the policy so that the operational team can seek to enhance the vibrancy and safety of these locations.
7. Power Sources – We have committed to the principles of Net Zero 2030. Therefore, preference will be given to applications that are able to demonstrate using renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions, particularly whilst idling.
8. Greater diversity in food offering – The proposed policy will see a preference given to those applicants offering locally sourced food, include plant-based food in their menus and diverse food offering for customers.
9. Waste Management – the revised policy seeks to ensure that correct waste management arrangements are in place and litter resulting from the street trading consent is cleared away. The revised policy is seeking applicants to demonstrate recycling of waste wherever possible.
10. Clear guidance regarding horns and chimes – in order to reduce annoyance on communities, clear guidance has been drawn up regarding horns and chimes used by mobile traders.

For more details, please see the draft street trading policy.

The closing date for submitting consultation responses is 31 May 2024

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