New street trading policy approved to support small businesses and community events
Posted on: 14 September 2026
From Monday, 14 September, small businesses, charities, and community groups will benefit from simpler rules and less paperwork following the approval of a revised Street Trading Licensing Policy by Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Executive Committee on Wednesday, 2 September.
The updated policy aims to make it easier for people to trade, organise community events and sell small amounts of surplus home-grown produce, while maintaining appropriate safeguards for residents and local communities.
For existing street traders, the annual renewal process will be simpler, with less paperwork involved. Routine renewals will no longer be subject to consultation, helping to speed up the process while allowing the council to continue investigating complaints and taking enforcement action where necessary.
The policy also introduces new exemptions where a street trading consent will no longer be needed, including:
- Short-term charity and community events, such as school fairs and village fetes
- Events taking place on council-owned land where permission has already been granted by the council
- Occasional sales of small amounts of surplus produce from domestic properties, such as fruit, vegetables, plants and eggs, where this is not a business activity.
The changes are also expected to help reduce food waste by making it easier for residents to sell excess home-grown produce.
Councillor Murray Stewart, Lead Member for Environmental Services, said: “These changes introduce a more practical and proportionate approach to street trading across the borough. They will make it easier for traders to operate, support community events and remove unnecessary barriers for residents who occasionally sell surplus produce, while maintaining appropriate safeguards for local communities.”
Information about the updated policy will be available on the council’s website from Monday, 14 September 2026: tewkesbury.gov.uk/street-trading.
