Councillor secures U-turn for Local Traders

Councillor Ashley Mason has secured a U-turn by the City of York Licensing department over extending the licenses for some of York’s street traders ahead of a review into the Street Trading Policy.

Originally in April, street traders were told that their licenses would only be given for a 6-month period whilst the new policy was consulted on and developed.

However, the new policy will only now come to the September meeting of the Council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee, the same month street trader’s licenses run out.

Liberal Democrat Councillors have successfully pushed the Council to extend these licenses for a few extra months to give traders time to understand and adapt to any changes that are made to the policy

Councillor Ashley Mason, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Economy said:

“I am please the Council has responded to my request to give these local traders more security.

“The traders I have spoken to feel incredibly undervalued by Labour’s Council bosses. They are a key part of our city’s business community and I hope going forward the Council can actively engage with street traders to allow them to continue to trade as an important part of our city centre.

“Traders are extremely anxious about the new Street Trading Policy. Currently, traders make the majority of their income during key city centre events, there is a worry that the new policy would take away their ability to trade during these periods. We hope that the Labour Council can provide clarity for these traders and their employees.”