Street trader licence - Licence and permit applications

Licence type
Street trader licence
Who should apply?
Anyone who sells goods or services on the street
Definitions and more
'a public place' means any place to which the public have unrestricted access. Before applying you must decide where you want to trade – and get permission from the neighbours and landowners to do so. Street trading in the city centre (Ward 11) is not usually allowed – but exceptions may be made. If you will have someone working with you as an employee, they must also hold a street trader's employee licence. Ice cream vans can only trade from a maximum of two specified zones within the city on any one licence. There is an agreed area of operation for Pedicabs. Food sellers will have their vehicle, stance or stall inspected to ensure compliance with food hygiene regulations. A licence to sell food cannot be granted without a valid Food Safety Certificate.
Cost
fees vary depending on the category of licence being applied for, download our fee list for details on the application fee payable

please note that a 20% surcharge is payable for all temporary licence applications submitted within 28 days of the date the licence is due to start. 

Additional costs
a 20% surcharge is payable for all temporary licence applications submitted within 28 days of the date the licence is due to start. 
What you need to supply
Fully Completed application form
Application fee
A digital Photograph*
Food Hygiene Certificate - only if you intend selling food

if you intend trading from a 'fixed' location you will also need to submit the following; 

A completed wind management form 
A detailed sketch plan showing the exact location that you want to trade from
The written permission from any adjoining owners of property adjacent to where you want to trade & the written permission from the owners of the land/area that you want to trade from 

*Please note applicants must upload a digital photograph with a completed licence application. 

Your photo must:

  • Be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
  • Contain no other objects or people
  • Be in clear contrast to the background
  • Have you facing forward and looking straight at the camera
  • Have you with a neutral expression (ie, no smiling) and your mouth closed
  • Have your eyes open, visible and free from reflection or glare from glasses
  • Have no hair in front of your eyes
  • Not have your head covered (unless it's for religious or medical reasons)
  • Not have anything cover your face

 The photograph will be added to any licence document for identification purposes

 
Additional information

You cannot apply to renew a licence after it has expired.  An application for licence renewal must be made before the expiry of the current licence.  Any application made up to 28 days later will be a ‘late application.’

if a late application is received, the original licence will expire on the date marked on the licence. However, if the Council decides that ‘Good Cause’ has been shown for the late submission of the application, the previous licence will remain in effect while the renewal is being processed.  You can download our Policy on late applications for further information 

Please ensure you read the guidance notes in the application pack before submitting your application. Please note that all licence application fees are non refundable, you can download our refunds policy for more information. Any requests for a refund due to exceptional circumstances should be made in writing to the Licensing Manager, 249 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ or by email to: licensing@edinburgh.gov.uk 

Anyone selling food must submit a 'Food Hygiene Certificate' with their application form and will need to have their vehicle, stance or stall inspected to ensure compliance with food hygiene regulations. A licence to sell food cannot be granted without a valid Food Safety Certificate

Please note that this Authority has identified specified zones within the City of Edinburgh where ice cream vans can trade Ice cream vans can only trade from a maximum of two specified zones within the city on any one licence

Download zones and codes of practice note

Download Council policy

Download wind management plan 

Application pack
Standard conditions