Background
As the owner of a franchise market originally created by charter, and subsequently confirmed by its stature, Norwich City Council is entitled to the peaceable enjoyment of the market and to protection from disturbance.
The definition of a ‘disturbance’ includes the setting up of a rival market within 6.66 miles of a statutory/franchise market. A market is defined as a “concourse of buyers and sellers” and therefore includes car boot sales, craft fairs, antique fairs, farmers markets, makers markets and other speciality markets.
In order to protect the authority’s franchise market, Norwich City Council will take all necessary steps, including legal action, against those operators (and site owners) attempting to hold markets without Norwich City Council’s approval. Norwich City Council has a policy of licensing approved markets and this is outlined below.
Licensing policy
Any application for a licence to hold a rival market within the common law distance of 6.66 miles from the council’s lawful market would need to be made a least 28 days before the first event and include the following information:
- the full name and address of the person intending to hold the market
- the day or days on which it is proposed that the market shall be held and it’s proposed opening and closing times
- the site on which it is proposed to be held
- the full name and address of the occupier of the site if he is not the person intending to hold the market
The applicant should observe the following conditions:
- The applicant should obtain all the necessary permissions, permits, consents and licences required for the operation of the market, the market site and any other activities connected with the event.
- The council is not responsible for any liability for any damages arising from the rival market. Therefore the applicant should hold a public liability insurance policy for claims up to at least £5 million and shall produce on demand the policy and premiums paid in respect there.
- Permission to operate any rival market may be refused on the grounds that it is likely to adversely affect the council’s markets operation or that it is unnecessary or undesirable for any reason.
- The applicant is required to pay a fee in recognition of the council’s market rights to be specified by the council from time to time.
Licensing categories
Licensing of rival markets will normally fall into one of the following categories:
Commercial markets
- Profit-driven: Organised by individuals or companies aiming to generate income.
- Wide range of goods: Often includes new retail products, fashion, electronics, food, and more.
- Open to the public: Usually promoted widely to attract large footfall.
- Operated by private or commercial entities: Not affiliated with charitable or non-profit organisations.
- May include stall fees or entry charges: These are retained by the organiser or business.
- Limited to six events per year, with at least one month between each event.
Key characteristics:
- intended to make money
- goods or services are sold
- usually part of a business or trade
- revenue exceeds or aims to exceed costs
Examples:
- a retailer selling products
- a restaurant or market stall trading for income
- a company using images, music, or software to support sales
- renting out a unit / space at a market for trading purposes
Non-commercial markets
- Temporary markets where 100% of proceeds (from stall fees, tolls, or admissions) are used solely or primarily for charitable, social, sporting, or political purposes.
- The applicant must be an officer of the benefiting organisation.
- Limited to six events per year, with at least one month between each event.
- Goods sold must be limited to: Second-hand items, Items bearing the organisation’s logo, Specified catering units for brand representation.
Key characteristics:
- no intention to generate profit
- often educational, personal, charitable, or community focused
- any money raised is usually to cover costs, not generate income
Examples:
- a charity event or fundraiser
- personal hobby projects
- educational use (e.g. school projects)
- community groups operating on a cost recovery basis
Before issuing any licences to operate a rival market, consultation will take place with the relevant enforcement agencies to enable them to make objection or other preparations as necessary.
Licence fees
Commercial markets: £4.50 per stall per day (example: 50 stalls for 7 days = £1,575)
Non-commercial markets: £2.50 per stall per day (example: 50 stalls for 7 days = £875)
Fees are only payable after your application is approved.
Updated April 2026
