Hammersmith and Fulham Council has approved new rules for street trading, aiming to foster a more professional and vibrant market environment while ensuring public safety and accessibility. The updated Markets and Street Trading Licensing Policy, along with revised standard conditions and commodity regulations, was greenlit by the Licensing Committee on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. The policy aims to raise standards
and support and promote business activity by: Providing transparency and integrity when dealing with street trading matters. Ensuring that there is consistency when making decisions, to promote fair trade.
Success will be measured by creating a safer, more accessible and vibrant trading environment that discourages criminal activities and supports, local businesses.
The new policy seeks to attract and retain traders, address economic challenges, and showcase the broader value of markets and street trading sites within the community. Specifically, it aims to address economic challenges by attracting and retaining traders
and showcasing the broader values of markets and street trading sites within our local communities.
It also aims to support small businesses in the borough
and help to create thriving town centres that are attractive and welcoming.
The policy introduces clear legal guidance on trader conduct and enforcement actions, covering various trading activities from private operating markets to pavement trading and ice cream vans.
Key changes include updated prescribed standard conditions for street trading licenses, which are now more detailed and structured, and a revised regulation of commodities list that offers greater flexibility for traders. The updated Regulation of Commodities
provides greater flexibility on what traders can and cannot sell.
For example, in clothing, instead of separate categories for women's, men's and children's clothing,
there is now a general clothing category, which includes clothing for women, men and children.
It also provides greater clarity around selling additional items from another category.
The policy also supports the designation of specific streets for regulated street trading activities. The council will be designating more streets for regulated street trading activities, a move supported by a majority of respondents in the consultation. This targeted approach aims to concentrate trading in high footfall areas while protecting residential amenity and highway safety. The policy proposes to designate specific streets for regulated street trading activities, including areas such as North End Road Market, Shepherd's Bush Town Centre, White City Wood Lane, Hammersmith Town Centre, and Sardinia High Street. The designation of streets is based on high footfall town centres and established commercial locations
to concentrate regulatory oversight in areas where street trading can be successfully accommodated.
During the consultation process, residents and shoppers largely supported the new policy, with many agreeing that it would positively affect their local areas by regulating pavement space and improving streetscape quality. Concerns raised about accessibility and pedestrian safety have been addressed through specific conditions ensuring clear pathways and appropriate awning heights. The Prescribed Standard Conditions for Street Trading Licences
state that A minimum vertical clearance of 2 metres must be maintained at the lowest point of the awning to ensure pedestrian safety.
However, this is subject to assessment of pedestrian access at the site by an Authorised Officer who may increase the distance as a Special Condition added to the Licence to improve public access and safety, especially where there is street furniture.
Councillor Wesley Harcourt, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Ecology, emphasized the council's commitment to sustainability. The council's plans include improving recycling, reduce the use of single use plastics and provide electric power points across our markets.
Traders are required to minimise the use of single-use plastics and charge for the use of single-use carrier bags.
Additionally, the policy encourages the use of electricity over diesel and petrol generators will reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Enforcement actions for non-compliance include verbal written warnings,
Fixed Penalty Notices,
seize any goods, receptable, article or thing being offered or used to offer, sell, or expose items for sale,
Licence review or application for licence revocation,
and Prosecution.
The updated regulations also include provisions for shop front trading licenses, ensuring that displays and services offered outside businesses are managed effectively and do not obstruct public pathways. The policy aims to strike a balance between supporting businesses and ensuring the comfort, accessibility, and safety of pedestrians.
Agenda frontsheet 02nd-Jun-2026 19.00 Licensing Committee Public reports pack 02nd-Jun-2026 19.00 Licensing Committee Minutes of Previous Meeting
