About the proposed changes
We are updating our current Street Trading Policy.
The new policy would:
- Make street trading rules simpler and more up to date.
- Help manage public spaces more effectively.
- Support healthier, safer and cleaner streets.
- Encourage sustainable trading.
- Help create vibrant neighbourhoods across Manchester.
Read the proposed draft Street Trading policy.
Why are we changing the policy?
The proposed policy would help us:
- Have more control over where street trading takes place.
- Make sure trading supports the goals of the Our Manchester Strategy priorities.
- Identify unsuitable locations earlier.
- Make the application process simpler and more efficient.
- Reduce unnecessary administration.
Moving from licences to consents
At the moment, streets are divided into three types:
- Licence streets (mainly in the city centre).
- Consent streets.
- Prohibited streets.
Linked to this policy review, we are proposing to change all licence streets into consent streets. This enables us to consider a wider range of factors when assessing applications on licensed streets.
This would give us more flexibility to:
- Approve applications.
- Refuse applications.
- Apply conditions where needed.
What this means for existing traders
We expect existing traders to continue trading unless there is a clear reason not to renew their permission.
These changes would not affect traders who already hold a street trading consent.
Changes to prohibited streets
We are also proposing to reduce the number of prohibited streets.
Any changes to street designations would be considered through a separate process.