Agenda item

Report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection

The Group received a report of The Director of Markets and Consumer Protection that provided an update on the activity of the Public Protection Service, comprising of Environmental Health, Licensing and Trading Standards.

The Director of Markets and Consumer Protection explained that a significant amount of work has been done to tackle the issue of illegal street trading in the form of ice cream vans and nut sellers around the City of London.  The Chairman asked if this had led to the activity being pushed over into surrounding boroughs, and the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection explained that, although this was a possibility, work is being done with Southwark council to tackle the issue cooperatively. 

A Member noted that the ice cream van and nut seller issues have been ongoing, and suggested the possibility of working towards offering a provision of permanent pitches or licences. The Director of Markets and Consumer Protection explained that legal street trading had been considered previously, however, it was deemed ineffective as it did not resolve the issue of licensees being expected to comply whilst unlicensed traders remained in operation in close proximity.  He reiterated that additional resource had been allocated to tackle the issue, and that the pressure this has created was having a positive effect.

The Director of Markets and Consumer Protection explainedthat the numerous licensing issues occurring since the last update were primarily relating to the proposed opening of new premises in the City, rather than any issues arising from complaints directed towards existing premises.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.