Journey

Sell at markets and craft fairs

Sell from a stall at a market, Christmas market or craft fair. Check who gives permission for your pitch, then register, licence and insure for what you sell, price and take payment fairly, and declare what you earn.

Retail & Consumer Goods Food, Drink & Hospitality Starting Updated 1 November 2026
  1. Get permission for your pitch

    Find out whether the market's own permission covers you or whether you need a street trading licence or consent.

  2. Register as a food business

    Needed if you sell, cook, store, handle or prepare food or drink, even from a stall.

  3. Get permission to sell alcohol

    Needed if you sell alcohol, including mulled wine.

  4. Insure your staff and customers

    Employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement once you employ anyone.

  5. Sell safe goods

    Everything you make or sell must be safe in normal use.

  6. Price your goods and take payment

    Show your prices, do not charge extra for card payments, and know when customers can cancel.

  7. Declare your income

    Making goods to sell for profit is trading. Above £1,000 a year, register for Self Assessment.

  8. If you organise the market

    Running a market adds duties for the site, fire safety and, for large events, protective security.

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