Red tape to be cut for street stall traders, govt says

Street traders and other small business owners are to benefit from government plans to cut red tape under proposals announced this morning (November 23rd).

The Consumer and Affairs Minister, Jo Swinson, explained that by consulting on whether to remove the Pedlars Act of 1871, ministers hope to make it easier for street traders to do their job.

Furthermore, she added that plans are in place to bring street trading laws in line with the European Services Directive, too.

Ms Swinson said earlier today that vibrant street trading stalls are an "important part of traditional British culture".

"The Pedlars Act is an archaic law which requires those wishing to peddle to obtain a pedlar's certificate (and pay a fee for this) at a time when small businesses are at the heart of continuing growth in the UK - this is unhelpful and restrictive bureaucracy," she added.

"These proposed changes will help give a boost to those that trade on the street."

It comes only days after Whitehall, itself, announced that it will be reducing red tape when introducing new rules from January next year.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher

Date published 23 Nov 2012 | Last updated 23 Nov 2012