Market and street trading consent

If you wish to sell goods on the street you need permission.

Before you start

You will need public liability insurance before you commence trading.

Street trading includes

  • showing, offering, selling or providing goods
  • handing out flyers, leaflets or promotional information about goods for sale
  • wearing advertising boards or holding placards advertising goods for sale

Street means any public place, for example highways, footpaths, roads or forecourts (areas in front of shops).

Other permissions or requirements

Selling food

If you wish to sell food, you'll also need to register your business.

Consent to sell a private vehicle

You can apply for consent to sell a private vehicle 

Market stalls

To discuss trading at Folkestone Street Market with a new or existing stall, please contact the Market Supervisor, Paul Clark on 07973 632290.

How much it costs

Street trading consent £333 annually

How to apply

You will need to:

  • log into your MyAccount (or create an account if you don't already have one) to complete the form. MyAccount is an easier and quicker way to interact with us and is available 24/7
  • complete the application form
  • pay the appropriate fee

Apply for street trading consent

Duration of consent

Consent lasts for a year. A renewal email will automatically be sent out each year before the current consent expires.

Renew your street trading consent

What happens next?

We'll get in touch if we need any additional information, otherwise we'll aim to process your application in 5 working days.

Bear in mind that part of processing your application involves consulting with various authorities such as the police, fire department, and environmental health, and in some circumstances they can take up to 28 days to fully review your application and get back to us.

We will send you a certificate with your consent number printed on it. Consent comes with conditions, including:

  • designated and prohibited areas for street trading
  • trading hours
  • hygiene standards for food stalls

If your application is rejected we will write to you telling you why and what you can do if you wish to appeal.

You must not operate without consent. If you do, or if you break a condition of the consent, you could receive a fine of up to £1,000.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council street trading policy (PDF, 747 KB)