Street Trading
Regulations and research relating to street trading and pedlary
Street Trading Regulations
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is presently responsible for policy concerning the street trading provisions within the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
Senior BIS officials also hear appeals on street trading matters on street trading matters on behalf of the Secretary of State under the London Local Authorities Acts and the City of Westminster Act 1999.
The Pedlars Acts of 1871 and 1881 fall within the Department’s responsibilities too.
Consultation
In 2009/10 the UK and Scottish Governments consulted on the case for amending and modernising the law as it applies to the control of street trading and the certification of pedlars.
Since the consultation the Government’s view of the applicability of the Services Directive to retailing has developed and has had consequent effects on how pedlars and other street traders should be regulated.
The Government has published its response to the consultation, including its analysis of the impact of the Services Directive on the way ahead. The resulting proposals are set out in the response document available via following the link: Street Trading and Pedlary Laws - consultation
Research
In the period June to November 2008 the Department commissioned research to gather stakeholders’ views on the legislation currently regulating street trading and pedlary.
During the consultation period St Chad’s College, Durham, contacted local councils, the police, street traders, certified pedlars, and consumer organisations in England, Wales and Scotland to learn more about their views.
The Report of the research, which includes a summary of the key finding is below:
Street Trading and Pedlar Review: terms of reference
Street trading and pedlary in Great Britain: a report of research into the application and perception of local authority controls and pedlar legislation
Street Trading and Pedlar Review: terms of reference
Street trading and pedlary in Great Britain: a report of research into the application and perception of local authority controls and pedlar legislation
