If your venue, business or organisation invites street traders to trade within the boundary of, outside, or adjacent to your premises, you should follow our guidelines and recommended checks before permitting trading to take place.

Street trading is controlled under Schedule 4, paragraph 10, of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. From 1 April 2025, anyone trading in a street or in an area the public can access without payment in the Barnsley borough, must hold a valid street trading consent issued by Barnsley Council.

Guidance for venues

If you invite a street trader to attend an event or trade outside your premises, we recommend that you ensure the trader holds a valid street trading consent which allows them to trade from your location. Landowner or venue permission does not replace the legal requirement for consent.

Trading food and drink between the hours of 11pm and 5am requires further permission, such as a late-night refreshment licence.

Events and markets

Events involving four traders or fewer require each trader to hold their own street trading consent. Events involving five or more traders may be classed as a market, and could require a private market licence.

Checking a trader's consent

Before your event takes place, you should request a copy of the trader’s street trading consent and check it:

• is in date
• covers your location
• permits the type of trading being proposed

Types of consents

Static special event consent (quarterly)

Static special event consent allows a street trader to join occasional events at your venue, provided you have invited them to sell goods on your property. It covers unlimited events, so they don’t need to apply separately for each location. However, it does not include any land, private or public, inside the Barnsley town centre boundary or on public highways.

Occasional static street trading consent (daily consent)

Occasional static street trading consent permits trading at a single fixed location for a short period, covering all private and public land in the Barnsley borough and the town centre. Applications to trade on public highways are also included.

Annual street trading consent (52 week)

Annual street trading consent permits trading at a single location for a period of up to 12 months, covering all private and public land in the Barnsley borough and the town centre. Applications to trade on public highways are also included.

If a trader doesn't have consent

Allowing street trading without the correct consent may result in enforcement action being taken against the street trader.

Checklist for venues inviting street traders

Before allowing street trading at your venue, follow our checklist:

• Have you confirmed the trader holds a valid street trading consent?
• Has the consent been issued by Barnsley Council and is it current?
• Does the consent allow trading at your specific location?
• Does the consent cover the type of trading proposed (eg food and drink)?
• Have you confirmed landowner permission where applicable?
• Have you confirmed whether your event could be classed as a market (five or more traders)?
• If unsure, have you contacted us for advice before the event?

Documents

• Guidelines for venues hosting street traders (PDF)