Markets - becoming a market trader
We offer permanent, temporary, events, specialist and themed pitches at various competitive fees.
How can I become a market trader?
If you are thinking about setting up a stall in one of Lambeth's famous markets, you need to talk to the Market Office first. You can contact us on 020 7926 2530.
You will need a licence from us if you wish to trade in one of our markets.
We can offer you lots of practical advice to help you make a success of your stall.
If you answer yes to the five questions below then you can start the application process:
- Is the market you want to trade in suitable to your needs?
- Are you hoping to sell something different to what is already available in the market?
- Are you aware of the legal issues regarding what you can sell?
- Have you budgeted for everything including the licence fee, pitch fees and insurance costs?
- Are you aware that you will not be allocated a specific pitch until you are a permanent trader?
What is the difference between a temporary and permanent licence?
A temporary licence can be issued at any time during the year and this allows the licensed market trader to trade on a daily basis at the vacant pitches in the market. This means you could find yourself trading in different parts of the market on different days. You must pay daily in advance for your pitch fees.
Permanent licences are only issued once a year around March and this allows the trader to trade from the same pitch on every market day. The licence must be renewed every two years and you must pay your monthly rental in advance for your pitch.
How do I apply for a temporary licence?
You must register with us as a trader first, before you can apply for a temporary licence. Please read through our market trader guidance documents.
To register you will need to fill in the market trading licence form and bring it with the required supporting documents listed on the form to the Market Office which is open from 8am to 12pm.
The form and your supporting documents will be checked over by a Market Officer who will confirm if your application can go ahead. If they agree you will need to visit Shakespeare Road Depot to pay your registration fee, where we can take copes of your supporting documents.
Documents
You will need to give us the following proof in support of your application:
- EU Passport (or full UK photo driver's licence, or Passport and Residence Permit)
- Proof of National Insurance number
- Household bill or bank statement (less than three months old and not including mobile phone bills)
- Public liability insurance certificate
If you need more information on public liability insurance, you can contact insurance companies or the Market Office.
Allocation of temporary licences
Inspectors from the Market Office allocate pitches in Brixton's markets on a daily basis.
In Lower Marsh, temporary traders must pay the correct charges before finding a vacant pitch to set up for the day. An inspector will come round and validate the payment during the day.
Pitches are allocated depending on trading history, attendance and commodity, rather than on a first come first served basis.
Any trader who wants to make a comment, compliment or complaint should contact us at:
- Streetcare, 1st Floor Service Team House, 185-205 Shakespeare Road, London SE24 0PZ.
How do I apply for an permanent licence?
You can trade on a specific pitch with an permanent licence, which is valid for 2 years.
Applications are accepted every year when vacancies are advertised on our website, council buildings, in the local press and around the market areas. Vacancies are usually advertised around Easter.
To apply for a permanent licence you will need to fill in the market trading licence form.
Fees
If you are granted a permanent licence, you pay the fee and one month's pitch charge in advance. Subsequent payments are made by Direct Debit.
Please contact the Market Office on 020 7926 2530 for more information on fees and charges.
Eligibility
To be considered for a licence, you must: be aged 17 or over, have paid outstanding money for stalls previously rented in any Lambeth market and preferably have had experience as a market trader with a good trading history.
Where do I apply for a licence?
Once you have registered as a trader, you can apply for a temporary licence at any time from the Market Office, 53 Station Road, Brixton, London SW9 8PQ.
To apply for a permanent licence you should fill in the market trading licence form and return it to Street Trading, Lambeth Street Care, Service Team House, 185 - 205 Shakespeare Road, London SE24 0PZ.
We can only accept applications for a permanent licence when vacancies are advertised, this is usually around Easter. There are no waiting lists for permanent pitches.
Our service standards
We aim to give you best service possible in accordance with our service standards:
- We will consider new applications for permanent licences within six weeks.
- We always take enforcement action against illegal street traders.
- We aim to respond to all complaints from members of the public and traders within fifteen working days of receiving the complaint.
- We issue temporary licences on the day to registered traders.
More information
- The law on trading standards (for example, weights and measures, prices, trade descriptions)
- Food safety
- Licence conditions and market trading - contact the Market Office on 020 7926 2530.