6 June 2013 – Micro-bakery pedlary

Annie emailed pedlars.info 6 June 2013:

Hi, I have a microbakery on the Isle of Wight and sell small quanities of hand made sourdough bread to local outlets but now want to sell directly to the public from a large wicker basket pulled by my bicycle. I have read your website and understood that I could get a padlar certificate, however my local police station have said my application will be rejected under section 23, being a trader of victuals and that I need a street traders licence instead. With the small scale of my venture this would be unaffordable. Could you please advise the best way to proceed. Shall I apply anyway and include a copy of your document where it sets out that you can be a pedlar of food? Many thanks Annie

reply from pedlars.info 13 June:

Annie

You need to study the meaning of  Section 23 of the Pedlars Act and be aware that it is a pedlars choice to carry a certificate or not… It is not “necessary” but it is also not prohibited… this was written in 1871 when nobody needed certificate or licence to sell food on the street… people needed food providers on the street… that law has not changed… what has changed around 1982 LG(MP)A is that councils want total control for a fee (licence) and pedlary is outside that control/regulation.
Local police find it difficult to think for themselves and fall subject to council direction but their interpretation is wrong.
After you have read Section 23 then read research article 5 and then article 2 at:
https://pedlars.info/category/article/research-article/

We suggest that you first obtain a certificate but be careful how you complete the form as there are trick questions that are wholly unlawful and you should not be drawn on what where when how or why you intend to trade… send us copy to assist completion.

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