Car boot sale and temporary market authorisation

To hold a car boot sale or temporary market within the borough you may need authorisation from the council.

An authorisation is required to operate any private market, which is defined as being a market, whether covered or not, carried on by any person other than a local or public authority; at which goods are offered by more than one seller for sale by retail to the public.

Events for which an authorisation is required include car boot sales, antique and craft fairs, agricultural shows and highland games where there are trade stalls and certain types of commercial sales. An authorisation may also be required to operate a stall at a market.

Eligibility criteria

No provision in the legislation.

Regulation summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence.

Fees

There is no application fee for this licence.

Application evaluation process

Applicants must give the council at least one month's notice of their intention to hold a car boot sale (or to permit their land to be used for a car boot sale), unless the proceeds of the car boot sale are to be applied solely or principally for charitable, social, sporting or political purposes.

Applications must be made in writing (including by electronic means) and include the applicant's name and address, where and when they desire to trade and the name and address of the occupier of that site, if he is not the applicant.

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period.

Apply online

The Government is in the process of moving its website DirectGov.uk over to a new website Gov.uk.  You cannot currently apply for this licence online.

A downloadable application form will be available shortly.  In the meantime if you have any queries, please contact the council on 01298 28400.

Failed application redress

Please contact the council in the first instance.

Licence holder redress

Please contact the council in the first instance.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Citizens Advice  will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other redress

Eg. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another. Please contact the council in the first instance.

Trade Associations

None.