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Shropshire Council’s Street Trading Policy 2023-2028 is applicable to the regulation of street trading across the whole of the administrative area of Shropshire Council. All streets in Shropshire, as defined in section 329 of the Highways Act 1980, are Licence Streets with the exception of any street/area specifically listed within the Policy. This includes any area to which the public have access without payment.

“Street trading” is the selling, exposing, or offering for sale of any article (including a living thing) in a street.

“Street” includes any road, footway, beach, or other area to which the public have access without payment; and a service area as defined in section 329 of the Highways Act 1980.

All streets in Shropshire, as defined in section 329 of the Highways Act 1980, are 'licence streets' with the exception of any street/area specifically listed in the Policy. This includes any area to which the public have access without payment.

“Licence street” means a street in which street trading is prohibited without a licence granted by the council. Street trading in a licence street without a licence is a criminal offence. If a street is designated as a “licence street” then applications can be made by persons over 17 for a licence to trade in the articles described in the application on certain days on that street. For so long as the designation of licence street remains in place for that particular street or part of street the council is duty bound to grant or renew a properly made application unless one or more of the statutory grounds for refusal applies. When granting or renewing a licence the council may attach any reasonable condition, furthermore the council can at any time vary the conditions attached to a licence. There is a right of appeal against a council decision made in respect of a Street Trading Licence.

If you want to trade in the street within the Shropshire Council area you should read Shropshire Council’s Street Trading Policy to ensure you are familiar with all the requirements and application process. A full list of streets which are not subject to a licence, or where different rules apply can also be found in Appendix 1 of the policy.

Street trading in Ludlow is administered by Ludlow town council. Enquiries and applications should be made directly to that council. Further information can be found on their website.

For street trading in the Square in Shrewsbury town centre, please refer to our Square guidance (under the related documents section of this page). You will need to book a pitch on the Square to trade there as well as apply for a Street Trading Licence. Please visit the Square booking web pages directly to do this.

If you have any further queries about street trading, please contact the Licensing team.

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