York street traders fear a new policy threatens their livelihood.
They could be forced off their pitches during some of the busiest periods of the year.
And that has put their “livelihoods on trial”, one said.
City of York Council is developing the draft Street Trading Policy. Councillors stress it is still in its early stages and they were listening to the views of traders.
Under the policy, approved traders would be able to use public highways within York’s walls – as long as Make It York is not using them for events.
But Make It York would not guarantee the traders could operate during its events – the biggest of which is the Christmas fair.
It won’t be implemented until next year, which means traders are unaffected this Christmas.
Tom Jackson, owner of the Jackson’s of York food business, said withholding trade during peak periods like the festive season could break their businesses.
“Unfortunately our livelihoods continue to be on trial,” he said.
“My parents started this business in 1981 as a small potato wagon which they grew into a successful family-run venture, we’re a success story of York.
“We believe we’re an asset to this city, but the draft policy threatens all of this, no business could survive on these terms.
“Our business represents 100 per cent of my family’s income, the stress we have endured has been unimaginable.”
Need protection
York does not have a written policy governing street trading, with businesses currently operating based on guidance.
The council has said that one is required to provide greater transparency for issuing consents and operating terms.
The council’s licensing and regulatory committee heard last week that some businesses were calling for the adoption of a Street Trading Charter to protect them.
The charter proposes enshrining a guaranteed right to trade, regular meetings with the council’s licensing team and offering alternative pitches in exceptional circumstances such as roadworks.
Andrea Piette of the Classic Crepe Company said the charter sought to treat them as permanent businesses rather than temporary, seasonal traders.
Ms Piette said: “All street traders acknowledge the necessity of having a policy, but our business model operates on a boom and bust cycle which relies on trading during peak periods.
“We hire permanent staff, we use local suppliers and we use storage space in the city but York in January is very different to the run up to Christmas so it’s not an equal playing field.”
Council public protection lead Matthew Boxall said they had received a range of views from businesses which they were currently reflecting on.
He added extending consents until March showed the council has listened to traders’ concerns and a further update on the proposals would be provided to councillors in November.
Licensing Executive Member Cllr Jenny Kent said all those affected by the new proposals would have another opportunity to give their views before a decision is taken on them.
Cllr Kent said: “The process of formulating this policy will take streets traders’ views into account and will seek to establish fairness in the use of public space.”