Street traders
If you trade in the street you may need a street trading licence.
Applications should be made in writing (including by electronic means) to your South Tyneside Council, or the district council for the area you wish to trade.
You must provide specific information, including details of the street you wish to trade on and the days and times you wish to trade.
You may also be required to provide two photographs of yourself.
You must comply with any conditions attached to a licence.
List of streets where a Street Trading Licence is needed[pdf - 62kb]
Apply for a licence
Apply for a street trading licence
Street trader's licence application form[word - 89kb]
(email your form to licensing@southtyneside.gov.uk)
Apply to change your licence
Apply to change your street trading licence
Eligibility criteria
You must be over 17 years of age to hold a licence.
Licences will be refused if any of the following grounds exist:
- There isn't enough space in the street you wish to trade in, without causing interference or inconvenience to street users
- You wish to trade for less days than any minimum required trading days
- You are unsuitable to hold a licence do to any previous convictions or for other reasons
- You have previously failed to pay fees due under another street trading licence or have failed to use a previous street trading licence
Application evaluation process
Under certain circumstances if certain grounds for refusal exist the council may still award a licence but for fewer days than require, or to allow trade in certain items.
The council will either grant the application or serve a notice on you within a reasonable time.
The notice will be served if the council intend to refuse the application, grant it on different terms than those applied for, confine trading to a particular place in a street, vary conditions of a licence or revoke a licence.
The notice will detail the grounds for their decision and state that within seven days of the notice you can request in writing the opportunity to make representations.
Will tacit consent apply if I haven't heard back from you?
No. If you would like to check on the progress of your application, please contact the licensing team on 0191 424 7695 or email licensing@southtyneside.gov.uk
How do I appeal if my application isn't approved?
Please contact South Tyneside Council in the first instance.
How do I appeal against the conditions of my licence?
Please contact South Tyneside Council in the first instance.
Consumer complaints
If you have a complaint, we advise that you contact the trader, preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery).
If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice.
From outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other appeals
There is no legal right of appeal against refusal of a street trader's licence, however, you may write to the licensing section and request that the decision is reviewed.
