Illegal street trading

'Fly traders' or people selling goods on the streets without a licence create obstructions for pedestrians and are also unfair competition to legitimate traders and businesses.

This illegal activity can range from sellers of counterfeit DVDs to roasted peanuts. Unlicensed traders almost always sell illegal goods of dubious quality. If you buy from them, you will not be able to get your money back. If they are selling food, there is no way of telling if it is safe to eat.  

Southwark council runs six fun, safe and legal street markets across the borough. If you want to trade, you can easily get involved by applying for an occasional traders licence. Find out more about registering as a market trader.

Tackling the problem

Illegal street traders are not tolerated within Southwark and if caught, risk prosecution, a fine of £1000 and loss of all their goods. Each year, Southwark Council seizes goods worth hundreds of thousands of pounds and prosecutes dozens of illegal street traders.