OFFICERS from the Shared Regulatory Services are reminding budding entrepreneurs and newly launched businesses of the importance of checking whether they need to apply for a specific licence before they start trading.
The call follows a number of recent complaints to the service about commercial food businesses allegedly operating without first having obtained necessary legal permissions and safeguarding checks.
Councillor Hywel Williams, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “Over recent weeks, the Licensing department of the Shared Regulatory Service has received several complaints from members of the public regarding commercial food businesses which appear to have started trading without first having obtained the necessary permissions.
“The complaints have included concerns about food hygiene accreditation and allergen control as well as general amenity issues such as visitors, parking and advertising linked to commercial businesses operating from residential properties.
“While no enforcement action has been taken, licensing officers have visited the different premises to establish if street trading consent is required, and to provide appropriate advice and support to the business owners on how they can comply with legal requirements.
“For example, the owners have been advised that if they are offering goods for sale within 30 metres from the highway, a licence is required in order to comply with legislation governing street trading.
“We have advised how the application process includes a consultation period where, if objections are received, the Licensing sub-committee may be asked to make a final decision on the granting of a licence.
“However, if a collection service is offered for orders placed online, the licence is not required.
“We have also advised how we operate a Street Trading Policy which is designed to ensure fairness for all businesses, and to prevent potential nuisance from occurring within residential areas.
“The Licensing team at Shared Regulatory Services is always available and officers are happy to assist and support any local business that wish to find out whether they need a licence to comply with the law, and I would urge anyone thinking of starting a commercial food business to contact them before they start trading.
“We have already heard back from one of the business owners we visited and they have thanked the Licensing team for their help, and have commented on how they have provided exactly the kind of support their business needed.”
The Shared Regulatory Service, which provides licensing, environmental health and trading standards support for Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan councils, offers more advice and information on the Shared Regulatory Services website.
