Pre-application advice

We offer a pre-application advice service to support applicants who are considering making an application for a licence or designation.

How to apply

You should read our Street Trading Policy before submitting an application, as applications that do not comply will likely be refused.

In Merton, the application process comes in two stages: each application is considered for both a designation and the issuing of a licence.

Designation of licence streets

In Merton, we designate parts of the public highway for the purpose of street trading rather than a whole street. These designations take the form of markets, individual stalls, tables and chairs outside of restaurants and shop-front displays. Following a 28-day public consultation, a committee of elected members votes on whether to designate a part of the public highway for the purposes of street trading. Once designated, a site can be used for street trading subject to obtaining a licence.

Street trading licence

A street trading licence allows the holder to trade at the specified location in the goods and the times stated on the licence. A licence has conditions attached to it which regulate its use.

If the location you are applying for is already designated, you will be able to apply for a licensed area up to the maximum size stipulated by the designation. If an increase in size is requested, the application will have to go to committee for a new designation.

Temporary licences

Once we receive a completed application we will determine which committee meeting it will be presented at (if a new designation is required). As meetings occur three times a year there can be a considerable period of time between the application being made and the granting of the licence. This period of time can be covered by a temporary street trading licence which can be issued for a location up to a maximum of six months. If you want a temporary licence you need to declare this on your application. Our fees structure has different price bandings dependant on the size of the area requested. These bandings apply to full and temporary licences. Please see our fees page for more information on sizes.

Application forms and guidance

Each application pack contains an application form and guidance on completing the form.

• Street Trading Application Pack
• Temporary Licence Application Pack

Contact us

Street Trading
Regulatory Services Partnership
London Borough of Merton
Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX

Telephone: 020 8545 3969
Email: licensing@merton.gov.uk