Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982
Reading Borough Council are now taking expressions of interest in respect of 2 street trading pitches in Reading town centre. The first site is located on the North side of Reading Railway Station, Vastern Road and the second site is located in Queens Walk at the side of the Penta Hotel. There is external power at both sites but there are no parking spaces available at either site for private vehicles associated with the trading vehicle or trailer.
The current town centre fees are advertised on the Council website.
Scope for a quality mobile motor vehicle (van) or quality mobile trailer unit offering hot/cold food and soft/cold drinks or other items which should complement the attractions and amenities in the area, possibly with a small seating area that may need to be removed along with the unit from the site each day. There is a metered 16/32amp electric power available, but no water supply or drainage. Times to be agreed but within the parameters of 06:00 – 23:00hrs and trading a minimum of 5 days per week.
Scope for a smaller quality mobile motor vehicle (van) selling hot/cold food products, soft/cold drinks and similar products, possibly with a small seating area that may need to be removed from the site each day. There is a metered 32amp electric power and water supply available, but no drainage. Times to be agreed but within the parameters of 17:00 – 23.00hrs and trading a minimum of 5 days per week.
Both pitches have the possibility to trade past 23:00hrs, subject to the applicant/trader being
granted a premises licence for late night refreshment.
Late Night Refreshment is the supply of hot food or drink between the hours of 11pm and 5am on any day of the week. Should a street trader wish to sell alcohol or provide late night refreshment additional authorisation is needed under the terms of the Licensing Act 2003, Licensing Officers will be able to provide further information on the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003.
The Children and Young Persons Act 1933, as amended by the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, controls the employment of children in street trading. The Act prohibits the employment of children under 17 years of age for the purposes of street trading.
All expressions of interest must be submitted in writing by email and contain full details of the unit (vehicle/trailer) including dimensions and a colour photograph (and build time if supplying a brand new vehicle or trailer) with full details of proposed products/merchandise to be sold, and details of your experience in running a business and proposed investment budget. Although we invite expressions of interest from current Reading Street traders, preference will be given to new traders who live within or near the Borough of Reading. There is no fee required at this stage.
The closing date for expressions of interest will be at Midnight on Friday 26 May 2023. Any expressions of interest received after midnight on Friday 26 May 2023 will not be considered under any circumstances.
Successful applicants (subject to 28 day consultation) will be expected to commence trading within an agreed time, frame. The full fee is required or a £500 deposit on application, followed by the commencement of 10 monthly instalments. Please note you must make your monthly payments, even if you are unable to trade. If you fail to do so, your consent may be revoked. No sub-letting is permitted.
Expressions of interest will only be accepted in writing to the Council by email to: licensing@reading.gov.uk
You can find further details of all Street trading requirements on the market and street trading webpage.