Havering Council is putting a Street Trading policy in place and wants to hear from the borough’s businesses and residents about what it should include.
The consultation, which runs until Tuesday 9 November, is asking businesses and residents to give their views, so the Council can look to do the following.
- Create a safe environment for businesses to trade outside on the street (including tables and chairs, A Board advertising, outside of premises).
- Ensure licenses for businesses that operate outside (ice cream vans, pop-up stalls).
- For residents and visitors to enjoy and visit our town centres.
- To boost local trade in the borough and work to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
The policy is also for the Council to regulate street trading so it is fair and consistent.
Business and residents should submit their views online here:
Have your say on street trading
Councillor Viddy Persaud, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Safety, said:
“The policy gives us the opportunity to create safe but also vibrant town centres that our residents and visitors can enjoy.
“The Covid 19 pandemic saw many businesses having to revert to operating outside as it was safer to do so.
"For many, this will still be a main part of how they operate going forward and this this is something that we would like to support.
"However, we also need to make sure it is in keeping with how best we use our pavements and roads and that they remain accessible for everyone.
“Many residents and visitors have welcomed outside dining and the chance to sit outside a café, giving our town centres a more cosmopolitan feel.
“However, we must ensure that this is in keeping with not only the look of our town centres, but that it is safe to do so and also the right thing for the environment.”
Residents and businesses can also send their views to licensing@havering.gov.uk or via post to the Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BB.
Anyone with issues in submitting their views should call 01708 432777.