Pedlars & Pedlary Entrepreneurs

WELCOME ON BOARD

Pedlars launched this website in 2007 dedicated to not-for-profit publishing of information, resources and communications about pedlary. It provides a resource centre for all concerned with pedlary.

It regularly provides updates to its readership and recognises severe limitations for those pedlars who neither read nor write because pedlary for them remains an oral tradition.

The several researchers at pedlars.info prepare contributions and articles in response to issues arising whilst acknowledging the fundamental principle of pedlary being ‘individual’ unfettered by any membership or organisation claiming to be the voice of pedlars.

Articles are assembled chronologically and content must be considered within historic context.

The audio visual images on the right hand margin are live links to interviews and videos.

Errors and Omissions are inevitable and we welcome contributions that correct or challenge any text.

What is a Pedlar?

A pedlar is a self-regulated certificated pedestrian service provider that travels and trades within any part of the United Kingdom, carrying to sell or exposing for sale any goods. The Pedlars Act 1871/1881 protects the bearer’s civil liberty to freely trade in public under the authority of a Pedlar’s Certificate.

The Principle of the Pedlars Act

The Principle of the Pedlars Act provides common law privilege to an eligible pedestrian person to trade with complete freedom based on a simple private contract within any part of the United Kingdom.

How to apply for a Pedlar’s Certificate

A Pedlar’s Certificate is a document granted by the Commissioner of Police. The Certificate is valid for 1 year and applies throughout the United Kingdom. An applicant must be above 17 years of age, has residence in the local police district for one month prior to application, be of good character and intends in good faith to act as a pedlar. An Application Form is available gratis at an applicant’s local police station. A Pedlar’s Certificate costs £12.25 per annum.

Acting as a Pedlar

A pedlar may trade privately at the door of a person’s house or in a public street, market or fair. Trading by a person within conditions of a Pedlars Certificate is not Street Trading for the purposes of local Street Trading regulation according to Local Authority licences or consents issued for static street trading pitches within allocated spaces. A pedlar’s means of trading must be mobile and movable so as not to cause obstruction or public liability on the highway. A pedlar may use a pedestrian scale mobile device to carry and display goods. A pedlars is also described as a hawker amongst other descriptions. A pedlar is entitled to remain static whilst serving customers. Although it is not ‘necessary’ to carry a certificate to trade foodstuffs nothing prohibits obtaining a certificate for the purpose to avoid commission of a local Street Trading offence.

Legislation affecting Pedlary

Pedlars should be aware that in some council districts there is local Street Trading legislation that may affect pedlary.

Further Information

Search online – pedlar, pedlar’s certificate, Pedlars Act 1871, Pedlars Act 1881, Markets and Fairs Clauses Act 1847 Section 13, or use the search bar on the left margin of this page.

latest articles:

WHAT IS A PEDLAR – 12 March 2019 – Peer Reviewed & Referenced Guidance Note – read more

NEWS FLASH – 26 May 2017 – Pedlar Appeal Crown Court Manchester – read more

BREAKING NEWS – 26 May 2016 – Local PSPOs attempt to subvert National Pedlars Act – read more

Swindon PSPO prohibition – 26 January 2016 – read more

Oxford PSPO affects pedlary – 25 November 2015 – read more

BREAKING NEWS – 5 December 2015 – First Pedlar Event in London for 144 years – video links to conference

BREAKING NEWS – 16 October 2014 – Government Concedes – PEDLARS ACT Survives – read more

Metropolitan Police on-line info rebuttal – 1 August 2014 – read more

Avon & Somerset police – Pedlars Notice rebuttal – 6 August 2014 – read more

House of Commons Notes – argument for withdrawl – 4 July 2014 – read more

Parliament misled by corrupt use of language – 13 January 2014 – read more

Official Conduct at BIS – 1 January 2014 – read more

House of Commons Library Update: Pedlars – 18 December 2013 – read more

Official Conduct at BIS – 15 November 2013 – read more

Stakeholder Meeting at BIS – 6 November 2013 – read more

HC Library Reference Paper SN/HA/5693 rebuttal – 5 November 2013 – read more

Communications with BIS – 29 October 2013 – read more

Policy to Ignore – 2 July 2013 – read more

Principle of the Pedlars Act – 21 August 2013 – see above update

Pedlars 2nd reply to consultation URN12/605 – 2 April 2013 – read more

Office of Fair Trading OFT – David Chapman – 27 March 2013 – read more

EU Recognition of Professional Status – read more

EU Consultation – 4 February 2013 – live link

THIRD OPTION – 27 January 2013 – live link

Letter to Editor – 27 January 2013 – read more

Briefing and Questions to HMG re BIS Consultation – 11 January 2013 – read more

Q & A: BIS invite views but have already made decision? – 6 Jan 2013 – read more

Question about Designations – 4 January 2013 – read more

Parallels – EU recognition of the Profession of Pedlary – 4 December 2012 – read more

HMG declares WAR on centuries old Common Law – 23 November 2012 – read more

Briefing to Vince Cable outlining Problem & Solution – 29 September 2012 – read more

Communications with BIS re URN11/542 policy – on-going – read more

Parliamentary Written Questions – House of Lords – 15 June 2012 – read more

Regulation of Street Traders & Pedlars – House of Commons SN05692 – read more

Street Trading and Pedlary Law – proposed amendment to statute – 6 June 2012 – read more