Bassetlaw District Council has reconsidered its current approach to the licensing of ‘Cake Sheds and Cupboards’ following feedback from residents across the district.
The Council has now paused enforcement of its Street Trader Policy where it specifically relates to ‘Cake Sheds and Cupboards’ while the Licensing Committee can consider the wider implications of the policy on potential traders and members of the public.
The sheds are filled with cakes and customers buy through an honesty system
The Street Trader Licence remains in force for all other forms of Street Trading across the district, for example, businesses who trade from static or multiple locations and market traders.
This means that residents who trade using ‘Cake Sheds and Cupboards’ on their own land will be able to continue to do so without a licence until further notice.
Cllr June Evans, Cabinet Member for Governance, which includes Legal and Licensing, said:
“We have seen the public reaction to the introduction of this policy and the impact that it could potentially have on residents who provide ‘cake sheds or cupboards’. We also recognise the community benefit these enterprises can have in some areas.
“Having considered our current approach, we have decided to pause all enforcement action that relates specifically to ‘cake sheds and cupboards’ while this part of the Street Trader Policy can be reviewed by our Licensing Committee, including any fees and charges.
“The Street Trader Policy still remains in place as it guides and licenses other forms of street trading throughout the district. We will also continue to monitor the situation, especially where we receive complaints from members of the public that relate specifically to ‘cake sheds and cupboards’, and where there could be serious concerns raised around their impact on other members of a community, food safety and hygiene, and issues including electrical, gas or fire risks.
“A report is being prepared for our Licensing Committee to consider at the beginning of June, and we will provide a further update as this matter progresses.”
“While councillors review the impacts of the Street Trader Licence, our Licensing Team will still be on hand to provide advice and guidance on the policy, respond to complaints, and act where they are alerted to any serious concerns relating to Food Hygiene and Safety, electrical, gas or fire safety or if there are any complaints made regarding nuisance or safeguarding.”
The selling of eggs, vegetables, or cut flowers are not considered to be part of the policy because they could be deemed to be surplus goods that can arise from normal domestic life.
