Street Food TEN vs Licence - Cardiff Bylaws

Business and Consumer Protection Wales 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wales

In Cardiff, Wales the rules for selling street food usually fall under two separate systems: the Temporary Event Notice (TEN) regime for short, occasional events and local street trading or food stall licences for ongoing trading. This guide explains the practical differences, who enforces each regime, common compliance steps and where to find official applications and contacts so operators and organisers can choose the correct route and avoid enforcement action.

When to use a Temporary Event Notice or a Street Trading Licence

Temporary Event Notices (TENs) allow licensable activities at a specific place and time for a limited audience and duration and are governed by the Licensing Act 2003; detailed official guidance on TENs is published by the UK government [1]. A street trading licence or consent from Cardiff Council is required for regular trading from roads, pavements and other public spaces in the city [2]. Food business registration and food hygiene requirements remain separate statutory duties enforced by Environmental Health regardless of whether a TEN or street trading consent is used.

Always register your food business with Environmental Health at least 28 days before trading.

Key practical differences

  • Scope - TEN covers licensable activities (alcohol, regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment) for a named event; it is time-limited.
  • Scope - Street trading licence covers the ongoing right to trade at a specified location or under a consent scheme in public places.
  • Duration - TENs are short-term notices with statutory limits; street trading licences are for recurring or long-term trading.
  • Decision maker - TEN notifications interact with the local licensing authority and the police; street trading applications are decided by Cardiff Council licensing or street trading teams.
  • Food safety - Food business registration and hygiene inspections come from Cardiff Environmental Health.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement depends on the regime breached. Cardiff Council's licensing and street trading teams and Environmental Health carry out inspections and enforcement for trading and food safety, while police and the licensing authority handle breaches of the Licensing Act 2003 where a TEN or premises licence issue arises [3]. Exact penalty figures and fixed-penalty amounts are not consistently listed on the cited local guidance pages; when specific sums or scales are needed the cited pages may state "not specified on the cited page" and further statutory sources should be checked.

Contact Cardiff Licensing or Environmental Health before trading if you are unsure which permission you need.
  • Fines - not specified on the cited page for Cardiff; consult the linked official pages for details and any national legislation referenced below [1][2].
  • Escalation - information on first, repeat or continuing offence escalation is not specified on the cited Cardiff pages; prosecution and court orders are possible where offences are proven.
  • Non-monetary sanctions - enforcement can include seizure of goods, suspension or revocation of consents or licences, prohibition notices and prosecution in the courts.
  • Enforcers and complaints - Cardiff Council Licensing and Environmental Health handle complaints and inspections; contact details and complaint routes are on the Council licensing pages [3].
  • Appeals - appeal routes and time limits for licence decisions are handled according to statutory procedures; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited Cardiff pages.

Applications & Forms

Application forms and procedural guidance are published by both national and local authorities. TEN forms and guidance are available from the UK government TEN guidance [1]. Cardiff Council publishes street trading application pages, guidance and local contact details for submitting forms or enquiries [2]. Fees and deadlines differ by application type and are listed where the Council publishes the specific application; if a fee table is not shown on the linked page it should be described as "not specified on the cited page" and applicants must contact the licensing team for current charges.

If you plan recurring street trading, apply for the local street trading consent rather than relying on repeated TENs.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Trading without consent or TEN - likely inspection and enforcement action; exact penalties not specified on the cited Cardiff pages.
  • Poor food hygiene or unregistered food business - hygiene notices, improvement notices or prosecution by Environmental Health.
  • Failing to comply with licence conditions - suspension, revocation or prosecution proceedings.

FAQ

Do I need a TEN to trade street food for a one-off event in Cardiff?
You may need a TEN for licensable activities at a one-off event; check the national TEN guidance and notify the local licensing authority in good time [1].
Can I use a TEN for regular weekend market trading?
No; TENs are for temporary, short-term events and are not a substitute for a street trading licence or regular consent from Cardiff Council [2].
Where do I register my food business?
Register with Cardiff Environmental Health as a food business at least 28 days before opening; contact details are on the Council pages [3].

How-To

  1. Identify the activity: decide whether your event needs a TEN (short-term licensable activity) or a street trading consent for ongoing trading.
  2. Check food law: register your food business with Cardiff Environmental Health and complete any required food safety training and documentation.
  3. Obtain forms: download and complete the TEN form from gov.uk or the street trading application from Cardiff Council, and check fee information on the Council pages.
  4. Submit and allow time: submit your application or TEN within statutory timescales and allow time for consultation with police, fire and environmental health where required.
  5. If inspected, comply or appeal: respond to any notices, and if a licence decision is adverse, follow the appeal route set out by the licensing authority.

Key Takeaways

  • TENs are short-term and event-specific; street trading licences cover ongoing trading in public spaces.
  • Always register with Environmental Health and check Cardiff Council guidance before trading.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] GOV.UK - Temporary Event Notice guidance
  2. [2] Cardiff Council - Street Trading
  3. [3] Cardiff Council - Licensing

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