SHROPSHIRE Council has provided advice to businesses that wish to trade in public places, including how to apply for a licence and stay safe

The advice has come in response to some traders across north Shropshire being prevented from trading outdoors.

Frances Darling, Shropshire Council's trading standards and licensing operations manager, said that while the council is aware of the economic effects of the coronavirus shutdown, it is important to protect members of society from the virus itself.

"We want to reassure businesses and local communities that the council is aware of the significant economic impact that has resulted from the coronavirus pandemic," said Ms Darling.

"And that we do want to support businesses and communities as much as possible.

"We do, however, have a fundamental responsibility to prioritise and implement all reasonably practicable steps to reduce the spread of the virus and to help prevent loss of life.

"In this respect, a key element of the council's role is to assist businesses to operate in ways that have the greatest impact on reducing the spread of the virus.

"In particular those businesses that are supplying food at a local level, and to help them do this as effectively as they can.

"The council wants to ensure food supplies are delivered in the safest way possible in order to prevent business owners and the public from falling seriously ill with the virus.

"The Public Health England advice clearly states "Stay at Home, save lives" and this is key to preventing the spread of the virus.

"To this end, the council strongly encourages businesses to consider trading in ways that reduces the number of people leaving their homes, minimises physical contact, facilitates people staying at least two metres apart, avoids cash transactions, allows contact surfaces to be cleaned regularly and provides opportunities for regular hand washing with soap and water."

Businesses that still wish to trade are being supported by Ms Darling, but she reiterates that a licence is still required to trade outside.

"The current coronavirus restrictions mean that any business/retail premises that supplies food or food stalls that form part of a pre-existing indoor/outdoor market can continue to trade," she added.

"Again, the council supports these trading operations; however, greater effort is required to effectively marshal customers and to put the necessary robust preventative measures in place to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

"Trading from stalls in the street or on areas of private land that are open to public access is permissible, but only with a Street Trading Licence issued by the council.

"Where traders already have such a licence for the sale of food and drink, clearly they can continue to trade. For new and renewal street trading applications, we will consider all applications individually and determine each on their own merits.

"Where it is appropriate, we will consider 'fast-tracking' applications and facilitate alternative payment methods for the relevant licence fee; however, we do strongly encourage businesses to consider alternative trading operations wherever this is practical."

Further advice about street trading is available on the council's website at shropshire.gov.uk/licensing/apply-for-a-licence-or-permit/street-trading-licence, or can be sought directly from the licensing team by telephone on 0345 678 9026.

Wider advice for businesses and the public about coronavirus generally is also available on the council's website at shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus