Licences and Street Trading: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Byelaws are effectively local laws to deal with local issues within a Local Authority.  Byelaws enable Local Authorities to make laws specifically suited to the district, and to address specific needs not already regulated or dealt with by existing statutes.  The effect of a byelaw is to render a prohibited activity a criminal act.  Failure to comply with byelaws is a criminal offence. In many cases any person contravening a byelaw is liable on summary conviction to pay a fine for each offence.

Any queries on byelaws should be directed to the relevant department within the Council. If you are unsure you can contact the Council's Legal Department on 01628 796024.

  1. What is a Premises Licence?
  2. How do I apply for a Premises Licence?
  3. What is a Personal Licence?
  4. Can I get a licence to drive a taxi?
  5. Do I need a licence to sell food on the street?
  6. Can I set up a cafe?
  7. I want to put an A board outside my premises, do I need permission?
  8. Can I collect money for charity in the borough?
  9. What are bye-laws?
  10. Do I need a permit to hold a car boot sale?

Contact Information: 

  • For a licence to operate or drive a Private Hire Vehicle or a taxi (Hackney Carriage), or for street trading, displaying 'A' boards, charity collections, markets, premises and personal licences (issued under the Licensing Act 2003), sports grounds, track betting licences, amusement or gaming machines, Street (Pavement) Cafés and sex establishments:
    Tel: 01628 683840
    Email: customer.service@rbwm.gov.uk
  • To apply for a licence to display a banner or to erect banners over public highways:
    Tel: 01628 796803
    Email: streetcare@rbwm.gov.uk
  • For a licence for animal boarding establishments, food stalls, game dealing, hairdressing, pet shops, skin piercing, tattooing and zoos:
    Tel: 01628 683820
    Email: customer.service@rbwm.gov.uk
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