Display of goods permit

Displaying goods outside your shop can brighten up the street and attract customers. However, it is important that displays are safe, accessible, and do not block the pavement - especially for people with disabilities.

Permission required

You must have permission from us to place goods for sale on:

• public footways
• carriageways
• verges in rural areas

This permission is granted under Section 59 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.

Out of scope

Putting out racks, shelves, signs, or barriers without a permit is considered an obstruction. We may take enforcement action.

You may also need other permissions such as planning consent or alcohol licensing. Getting those does not guarantee permission to use the road or footway.

Space and safety requirements

To keep footways safe and accessible:

• a minimum clear width of 1.8 metres must be maintained between the display and the road.
• on busy streets, this increases to 2.75 metres.
• in pedestrianised areas, at least 4.5 metres must be left clear for emergency or delivery vehicles.

If the display is directly in front of your shop, you must also keep a 1.5 metre-wide clear path to your entrance.

Barriers and layout

You must ensure that: 

• displays are surrounded by a physical barrier at least 0.6 metres high
• there is a low-level kickboard to help visually impaired people using a cane
• barriers are freestanding (not fixed to the ground) and approved by us
• no signs or items are placed outside the barrier
• all furniture is removed promptly after trading hours

Permit duration and renewals

Permits are usually granted for 12 months. You must: 

• reapply each year, confirming the display area has not changed
• apply at least 28 days before your current permit expires

Insurance requirement

You must have public liability insurance of £5 million. Note: 

• a copy of your insurance certificate must be submitted with your application
• you must keep this insurance active for the full permit period
• if insurance lapses, your permission will be cancelled, and you must remove your display immediately

Fees

There is no fee for permission to place goods for sale on the road.