The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council is scheduled to consider an application for a permanent street trading licence. The meeting will also include procedural items such as the appointment of a chair and declarations of interest.

Application for a Street Trading Licence: Vesuvio On The Road

The primary item for discussion is an application for a permanent 12-month street trading licence for Vesuvio On The Road . The applicant, Mr Vincenzo Rea, seeks to trade hot and cold ready-to-eat food, specifically pizza, from a trailer. The proposed pitch is located in two parking spaces outside St Pius X Church, The Triangle, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 3RU. The proposed trading hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, commencing on 2 February 2026, when the current temporary licence expires.

The report pack details that the council regulates street trading under the London Local Authorities Act 1990 (as amended). The application is being considered following receipt of representations from residents and Responsible Authorities, including the Police, Fire Service, Environmental Health, Noise, and Health and Safety departments.

Numerous representations have been received from Other Persons raising concerns about the application. These include issues related to:

• Location and proximity to St Pius X Church: Objections have been raised about the inappropriateness of trading directly outside a place of worship, particularly during services, funerals, and weddings. Concerns include noise, smells, litter, and a lack of respect for the sacred space. Some representations highlight that the proposed location obstructs access for parishioners, especially the elderly and disabled, and impedes visibility of the church entrance.
• Parking and Highway Safety: Representations from the Council's Highways Officer and residents highlight concerns about the loss of parking spaces, increased congestion, and potential risks to pedestrian and vehicular safety. The use of parking bays for commercial trading is seen as a loss of public parking and a potential displacement of vehicles into surrounding streets.
• Environmental Impact: Objections have been raised regarding potential pollution from the wood-fired pizza oven, with concerns that this contradicts the council's Air Quality Action Plan. Issues of litter, smells, and potential fire and health hazards have also been cited.
• Nuisance and Amenity: Residents have reported experiencing nuisance from generator use (though this has reportedly been replaced by an electric system), noise, cooking smells, and litter. There are also concerns about the visual impact of the van and its promotional features detracting from the character of the area.
• Licence Compliance and Enforcement: Some representations suggest that the applicant has not always adhered to the conditions of their temporary licence, citing instances of arriving earlier than permitted and the generator being used more frequently than initially stated. There are also concerns about the process for reporting issues and potential negative impacts on community relations.
• Impact on Local Businesses: Concerns have been raised that a permanent mobile trader with lower overheads could negatively impact established local food businesses operating from fixed premises.

The report outlines the options available to the Sub-Committee: to grant the application as it stands, grant it subject to conditions or restrictions, or refuse the application. If granted, the licence would be subject to the Standard Street Trading conditions, as detailed in Annex 9 of the report pack.

The meeting will also cover procedural matters, including the appointment of a Chair for the Sub-Committee and the declaration of any interests by members. The procedure for the hearing, including the order in which parties will be heard and the rules around cross-examination, is also outlined in the agenda. The possibility of excluding the press and public for certain discussions is noted, should exempt information be disclosed.

The council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹ and Licensing Hearing procedures² are referenced as background documents.