ACTION is needed to combat “pedlars” blocking town streets as plans for street traders licences are approved.
A revised street trading policy was discussed by scrutiny committee last month and was given the final sign off at full council on July 18.
Traders will now need to buy a licence to operate and meet certain requirements such as having a DBS check.
The policy does not cover those providing a service – such as hair braids and fake tattoos as “they do not fall within the definition of ‘street trading’” under the Local Government act, a report states.
It added that “oversight and enforcement of pedlar activity is a police matter.”
Cllr Michael Williams said that these traders cause obstructions and were an “absolute eyesore” in Tenby’s “historic town” and action needs to be taken.
He welcomed Cllr Part Davies’ assurance that a meeting was soon to be held to look at ways to solve the problem.
“It’s an issue that’s got to be addressed as a matter of urgency,” he added.
Cllr Jamie Adams raised concerns about “relatively low cost operatives” setting up outside established businesses paying high rates and asked for the decision to be delayed until after Brexit.
He suggested that a local solution be found to overcome legislation from Europe, but was told it was already transposed to UK law.
The new policy covers a wide range of retail and catering activities undertaken in public streets and includes revised fees for licences.
The types of licences include short term, medium and long term permissions, market, occasional mobile vendor and cafe culture licences which allow tables and chairs to be set up outside a venue.
Charges range from £18 to £40 a day and £150 to £1,609 for a set period.
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