Street Trading

Our policy is to oppose all street trading other than from areas approved by the Council where highway safety will not be impaired. For such sites a trader's licence or consent must be obtained.

The erection of signs or stalls for the sale of produce within the highway, including grass verges, is illegal. However, produce can be sold from the land on which it is grown, but signs advertising such facilities must be clear of the highway and may require Planning Permission. Any unlicensed use of the highway for tables and chairs is an obstruction and may be dealt with by the police.

There are three main types of permission which may have to be obtained before tables and chairs may be placed on a part of the highway:

• Planning Permission may be required from Chester City Council for the use of land or building for a cafe
• Listed Building Consent may be required from Chester City Council for any works to the Rows, stalls or a listed building, either internally or externally
• A licence will be required, from Cheshire County Council  (external link) as the Highway Authority, to put tables and chairs out on a public highway, whether it be on the street or a pavement or a pedestrian area. There may be a fee for this, payable before a licence can be issued.  To place chairs or tables on the Rows or stall must apply to Chester City Council Development Control Section for a licence.

Street Traders

Chester City Council has adopted the Cheshire County Council Act 1990 that allows it to regulate its street-traders. You may apply using the forms below:

Static Pitch

• Application for a street trading licence (122kb)
• Application for renewal of a street trading licence (59kb)

Non-static pitch

• Application for the grant of a street trading consent (113kb)
• Application for renewal of a street trading consent (113kb).