Agenda item

To consider the reports of the Head of Service – Environment and Waste.

Both applicants for Item 6 on the agenda were present to hear the legislation and procedure as more than one application had been received for the same site at Castle Street. The Chair introduced the Licensing Sub-Committee Members and Officers. The Apprentice Solicitor set out the legislation and procedure for the hearing, and both Applicants confirmed that the procedure was understood. 

The second Applicant withdrew from the room whilst the first application was heard.

First Application

The Licensing Officer presented the application which sought the approval of the Licensing Sub-Committee for a street trading consent for Castle Street, Exeter, to sell a range of Greek food from a gazebo staff.  The Applicant had applied for a consent to trade for 12 months, Monday to Sunday between 9:00 and 16:00.

The Applicant had submitted photographs of their gazebo, food packaging, menu, and proposed pitch area which were included at Appendices B and D.

The Applicant spoke in support of the application, making reference to:-

• his experience with his current Greek takeaway in Buddle Lane; and
• the satisfaction of his existing customers.

In response to questions from the Members, the Apprentice Solicitor, and the Licensing officer, the Applicant clarified that: -

• a covered bin would be used to deter seagulls;
• all food apart from chicken and fries would be pre-prepared in the Buddle Lane shop and then stored in thermal bags with ice within the gazebo;
• vegetarian options would be available, but not currently vegan, but it is being seriously considered due to customer demand; and
• it was confirmed that the gazebo would be secured with four large weights.
• He had no concerns regarding the Assessment Framework Matrix prepared by the Licensing Officer

The first Applicant withdrew from the room and the Second Applicant returned.

Second Application

The Licensing Officer presented the application which sought the approval for a stationary trailer, to sell falafel, salad, and wraps on Castle Street. The Applicant had applied for a 12-month licence to trade Monday to Sunday between 10:00 and 18:00.

The Applicant provided photographs of their trailer, and the proposed pitch area was included in the report papers.

The Applicant spoke in support of the application, making reference to his experience with catering, and that he was confident with this particular trade as he had worked in a similar role with his father for a long time.

In response to questions from the Members, the Apprentice Solicitor and the Licensing Officer, the Applicant clarified that:

• he had completed his Level 2 Food Hygiene in May 2025;
• the food would be prepared at home and an application to register with Environmental Health as a food business would be submitted if the licence was granted and will not trade until inspected;
• public Liability Insurance will be obtained if the licence was granted;
• a bin with a secure lid would be used, and the area would be kept tidy;
• he was confident with the amount of custom he would receive, as he had worked at a similar food trailer in London;
• that all food would be vegetarian; and
• He had no concerns regarding the Assessment Framework Matrix prepared by the Licensing Officer.

Both applicants were informed of the following resolutions.

RESOLVED that the second application be refused as the Licensing Sub-Committee considered that the first applicant had more experience in street trading and was ready to trade as soon as possible.  A written notice setting out the reasons would be issued to the applicant.

RESOLVED that the first application for street trading consent be granted subject to the conditions set out in section 15 of the Exeter City Council’s Street Trading Policy 2024.