Run your own

If you’re looking to organise a market in Nottingham, you may need a licence.

To help you decide whether you need one, please read the page below.

If you plan to hold a car boot sale or specialist market (antiques fair, record fair, etc.) for commercial or personal gain, apply for the Commercial rate – £4.50 per unit let with a minimum payment of £90.

If you are a registered charity, a sporting, political or social group, or a school wishing to hold an event at which your group will receive proceeds by charging for space, you should apply for the Charity rate – £30 per event per day. If 50 or more sellers attend, however, the Commercial rate applies.

You do not need a licence if no charge will be made for space and your stalls will be staffed by volunteers.

Likewise, you do not need a licence if you wish to hold a jumble sale where there is only one seller and all proceeds from the sale of goods will go to the organiser; e.g. a jumble sale for church funds. If four or more external traders are involved, the Charity rate applies.

Nottingham City Council is the owner of market rights granted by Royal Charter and also under the 1984 Food Act. Any person or organisation wishing to operate a rival market within 6⅔ miles of one of the Council’s markets may only do so with the Council’s agreement. A licence can be issued which will waive the Council’s right to take legal action for that event.

The Council can seek legal protection from any violation of those rights; i.e. any rival markets. This protection extends to 6⅔ miles from any City Council-run market, including Colwick Car Boot, and so extends beyond the Council’s local government boundary.

The licence only relates to the Council’s market rights. The organiser must obtain any other consents and permissions needed, whether statutory or private.