Derby Pubs’ anger at licensing rules

Food vendors operating outside pubs in Derby have expressed frustration after being informed they must now apply for street trading licences to continue serving from pop-up stalls. For several years, pubs in the city centre have hosted food trucks on private land without issue, prompting confusion over the abrupt enforcement.

Derby City Council said it was acting on longstanding legislation and national guidance, which began to be actively enforced in late 2024. Traders say the move threatens their operations at a critical time, with Little Brewing Company owner Matthew Willers describing the situation as “incredibly testing” for small businesses.

“It’s going to hit us hard,” Mr Willers said. “Now not a single one of our food vendors can come and visit us. It’s a lot of extra, unnecessary paperwork.”

Despite previous compliance with health inspections, vehicle MOTs, gas-safe certification, and insurance, vendors say the new licensing demand adds undue pressure. Social media posts from at least four pubs indicate they received notification emails from the council.

One affected vendor, Bah Bah Mezze, echoed concerns about the timing and lack of detail around the announcement. Owner Thomas Robinson said the delivery of the policy had been “extremely disappointing”.

In a statement, the council clarified that no new policy had been introduced, and that its licensing committee had reaffirmed its regulatory position in September 2024. A spokesperson said enforcement began after identifying unlicensed activity and stressed the responsibility lies with traders or landowners to proactively engage with licensing authorities before operating.

The council invited affected parties to contact its licensing team directly, emphasising that it is enforcing existing statutory duties to regulate public-facing trading fairly.