Apply for a forecourt licence for shopfront trading

When you need a forecourt trading licence

You need a forecourt trading licence if you're a small trader who wants to sell or display goods:

• on the public highway outside your business premises
• on a private forecourt that you do not own, and which is within 7 metres of the public highway 

If you do either of these without a forecourt trading licence, you may be convicted and fined up to £1,000.

A small trader is an independent retailer operating from a single location that’s owned by an individual, family or partnership.

When you do not need a forecourt trading licence

You do not need a forecourt trading licence to sell or display goods on a private forecourt if the goods are associated with the main business.

When using a private forecourt, you must allow enough space for shoppers to view the goods without causing obstruction on the public highway. 

Licence conditions

A forecourt trading licence lasts for a year, from 1 April to 31 March. If you apply for the first time midway through the year, your first licence will be shorter.

We routinely check premises to make sure on-street displays accurately reflect your licence details.

We may withdraw your licence if:

• you breach its terms and conditions
• we receive valid complaints

Licence fees

Apply for a licence

Prepare your documents

If you do not attach all the necessary supporting documents, we cannot process your application. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will not contact you about this.

 If you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of applying, it's because you submitted an incomplete application.

You need to provide copies of:

• 1 photo ID documents – passport, UK photocard, driving licence
• 1 proof of address document dated within the last 3 months - utility bill, bank statement, Council Tax bill
• proof of your national insurance number - national insurance card, HMRC letter
• your public liability insurance – this must have a minimum cover of £5 million
• proof of PAT tests for any electrical equipment you need for trading
• gas safety certificate for any gas equipment you need for trading
• your Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, if you’re a food business
• a picture, sketch or plan of the proposed layout

Apply

To apply you need to complete and return the application form to us.

After you’ve applied

We'll review your application within 28 days and contact you to arrange a site visit.

During the site inspection, we’ll consider:

• anything that could obstruct the public highway
• how busy the street is
• whether trading has been carried out at the site previously 

If your application is successful, we’ll: 

• grant you a forecourt trading licence valid for 6 months
• contact you about paying for your licence

Renewing your forecourt trading licence

We’ll contact you about renewing your licence a month before your current licence ends. 

Your documents must be up to date. This includes your public liability insurance.

We will not renew your licence if you:

• are in arrears with your pitch fees
• breach the licence terms and conditions

We may arrange a site visit before renewing your licence if:

• your renewal details differ from the previous year
• we have any queries about your renewal details