Trading Standards

If the proposed event involves shops or stalls trading in food, drink or goods, then it may be referred to Trading Standards.  Environmental Health will also want further information. 

Trading Standards officers may attend the event to carry out inspections to ensure fair trading in accordance with the following legislation:

1. Weights and Measures Act 1985, which makes it a criminal offence to give short weights or measures to customers
2. Sale of Goods Act 1979 and Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, which require that goods correspond with any description given, are of satisfactory quality and are fit for purpose
3. Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988 and Trade Marks Act 1974m which impose severe penalties for those convicted of selling counterfeit goods
4. Licensing Act 2003, which prohibits the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 18
5.  Food Safety Act 1990 which requires food to comply with labelling and compositional regulations, and prohibits the presence of any foreign bodies.
6.  General Product Safety Regulations 2005, which require all consumer goods to be safe for consumer use when sold.
7. Animal Health Act 1981 and Animal Welfare Act 2006, which require agricultural     animals to be free from disease and have their movements controlled, and the welfare of all animals to be observed, with particular attention to the provision of food and water,  adequate space, and shelter. 

Although individual traders will be subject to enforcement action if they operate illegally, the Event Organiser has overall responsibility for ensuring that all activities taking place at the event are run in compliance with the law.

For further information and advice, contact the Council’s Trading Standards Dept.

See Alcohol
See Animals
See Catering
See Events Liaison Panel 
See Licensable Activity