The Bexley Licensing Committee has approved a 6-month event licence for the Bexleyheath Business Improvement District (BID), paving the way for more vibrant markets, festivals and community events in the town centre.
The decision, made at the Licensing Committee meeting on Tuesday 21 October 2025, empowers the BID to manage temporary traders, set operator charges, and organise markets and community events along the Broadway pedestrianised zone, stretching from the Kings Arms to Market Place. The aim is to streamline administration, increase trader participation, and enhance the vibrancy, sustainability, and financial potential of the Bexleyheath market.
The new licence aims to boost the town centre's economy by making the process more flexible and less restrictive. Previously, a temporary weekly event licence cost £1,150 per week, and temporary plot licences were £32 per day, requiring council approval. According to the Public reports pack, uptake of the temporary weekly licence since its introduction in 2024 has been low.
Under the new agreement, the Bexleyheath BID will pay a fixed fee of £10,000 every six months. This arrangement guarantees the council income; the council currently generates approximately £20,000 per year from Bexleyheath BID. The new agreement will guarantee two payments of £10,000 every 6 months. The Bexleyheath BID fee change report stated that the fee will increase by RPI inflation each year and the fee can be reviewed annually. The BID will have autonomy to set charges for casual traders and event operators, subject to open-book transparency.
The Broadway Street market in Bexleyheath supports local businesses and attracts footfall to support the town centre economy and vibrancy.
The council will retain oversight on health and safety, food hygiene, generator compliance and insurance. There will be monthly compliance review meetings between council and BID. Either party can terminate the licence agreement with six months' written notice. Regular permanent traders will continue to be licensed directly by the council.