The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider proposed changes to the conditions and regulations governing street trading within the borough. The meeting will focus on updating the Prescribed Standard Conditions for Street Trading Licences and the Regulation of Commodities for Street Trading Licences.

Variation of Street Trading Conditions and Commodities

A significant item on the agenda involves the proposed variation of the Prescribed Standard Conditions for Street Trading Licences and the Regulation of Commodities for Street Trading Licences. This report outlines revised conditions and regulations intended for application to existing and new street trading licences. The aim is to enhance the framework for responsible, fair, and safe street trading, potentially leading to increased business investment, employment opportunities, and visitor numbers in the borough. The proposed changes are designed to support economic growth while being sensitive to the needs of residents and businesses, and have been developed following consultation with traders, residents, and other stakeholders.

Key updates to the Prescribed Standard Conditions include a reduction in the minimum public liability insurance cover from £10 million to £5 million, which is intended to ease the burden on traders. Provisions have also been added to allow for background music in certain specialty markets with prior consent, and wording has been amended regarding the use of generators to encourage battery power and discourage diesel or petrol generators, aligning with the council's environmental aims. For shop front trading licences, updated wording clarifies exemptions under the London Local Authorities Act 1990.

The revised Regulation of Commodities aims to provide greater flexibility for traders. For instance, the clothing category has been broadened to encompass women's, men's, and children's wear under a single heading, rather than separate categories. The report seeks final approval for these revised conditions and regulations, which are intended to be implemented for new licences from 1 August 2026 and for existing licences upon renewal. The council's commitment to building shared prosperity and creating a compassionate and inclusive council is highlighted as being supported by these revisions, alongside efforts to ensure financial efficiency and take pride in Hammersmith & Fulham. The proposed changes also support the council's strategy to address the climate and ecological emergency by encouraging recycling, reducing single-use plastics, and promoting the use of electric power.

The report details the extensive consultation process undertaken, including engagement with existing licensed traders, residents, businesses, and various council departments. It notes that no objections were received during this consultation period. The legal implications are outlined, referencing Sections 21-41 of the London Local Authorities Act 1990, which governs street trading and allows borough councils to make regulations prescribing standard conditions. The financial impact is considered minimal, with costs expected to be recovered through existing fees and charges.

The report also addresses equality implications, stating that officers have considered representations and complied with the public sector equality duty under the Equality Act 2010. Risk management implications are also discussed, highlighting the need for a robust regulatory regime to minimise the risk of non-compliance and potential reputational damage. Climate and ecological emergency implications are noted, with the conditions supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The meeting documents include the Public reports pack 29th-Jul-2026 18.30 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf ¹ and the Agenda frontsheet 29th-Jul-2026 18.30 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf ².