Apply to be a food market trader

Use this guide to help you find out what you need to do to become a licensed food market trader and the legal requirements that you must consider.

How to apply

All food market traders must complete and return a questionnaire before trading at a market or event in Lambeth.

All types of food market traders must submit the retailers of the produce, such as fruit, vegetables, drinks and cheese, along with the form.

The completed form should be returned to us at least 28 days before you want to start trading. Incomplete questionnaires and documentation will be rejected.

Who can use this service?

Food traders who wish to attend an event or market in Lambeth borough, including:

  • hot food traders
  • bar and drink vendors
  • food produce retailers (for fruit, vegetables, meat, deli, cakes, breads, jams, chutneys, and so on).

To operate at a Lambeth event or market, food traders must have achieved a food hygiene rating of three or more.

If your business is exempt from the food hygiene rating scheme, then include details of your exemption with the questionnaire.

What you need to know

Complete all parts of this questionnaire with as much detail as possible. Failure to return a completed questionnaire could result in the delay or disqualification from trading at a Lambeth market.

Document checklist

You must send the following documents to support your food trader's questionnaire:

  • Gas Safe Certificate (for LPG appliances).
  • Proof of public liability insurance (minimum £5m public liability cover).
  • Food Hygiene Training Certificate.
  • Menu and/or brief product description.

Only submit your questionnaire once you have all of the relevant documentation in place. Other documentation may also be requested on your questionnaire. Incomplete questionnaires and documentation will be rejected.

Please note that the Food, Health and Safety Team do not allocate pitches or stalls at events or markets. Food business operators should contact the relevant market or event organiser to discuss pitch availability. You can find a contact list on Lambeth markets and events.

Download and complete

Food market trader questionnaire (Word, 111KB)

Where to send the questionnaire

Return the completed form at least 28 days before you wish to start trading, to: