Home bakers in the UK who sell goods from 'cake sheds' have been warned they may need to pay hundreds of pounds for a street trading licence or face fines of up to £1,000. The trend, where baked goods are sold from garden stalls often using an honesty box system, has grown popular across communities in recent months.
Sarah Baker launched her cake shed in Maidstone last September after obtaining insurance and a hygiene certificate. The 55-year-old, who also cares for her parents, said the venture provided flexible extra income. However, she recently learned from other operators that Maidstone Council requires a street trading licence, costing £385 to apply for and £307 to renew, with a 90-day processing time. She was also told she would need a DBS check and £10 million public liability insurance.
“I was gutted really, because I thought I work hard, I’ve got a good little thing and then I could lose that money,” Baker said. She argues the rules are unfair for those selling from their own property, not a street, and fears she cannot afford the licence as she earns only £60 to £100 per weekend.
Another baker, Mel Houston, closed her cake shed in Harrietsham after learning of the potential fines. The 51-year-old dementia carer, who operated once a week, said it was “a kick in the teeth” and that the fees would make the venture financially unviable. She hopes to reopen if the council decides against imposing the licence on cake shed operators.
Maidstone Council is consulting on its Street Trading policy, with a licensing committee meeting on June 11. A council spokesman said street trading legislation can apply where goods are sold in locations accessible to the public, including from residential premises.
