Do you need a Licence for a Car Boot Sale?

We received this enquiry this morning, so here we go… Yes — in most cases, you do need some form of authorisation or licence to hold a car boot sale in England and Wales, but the exact requirements vary by local authority. Clearly if you are selling alcohol at the Car Boot Sale then you will need the relevant Alcohol Licences or a Temporary Event Notice.  However, that wasn’t the question posed.  Here’s what you need to know:

🧾 Licence or Permission Requirements:

• No national licence system exists for car boot sales. Instead, each local council sets its own rules.

• Some councils treat car boot sales as temporary markets, which means you may need a market licence or event permit.

• Others allow a limited number of sales per year (often up to 14) at the same location without a formal licence — but you must notify the council in advance.

• If the event is charity-based, some councils may waive licensing requirements — but this is not guaranteed.

Councils may also require:

1. Public liability insurance

2. Traffic and waste management plans

3. 28 days’ notice before the event

💡 Licensing Tip: Even if held on private land, car boot sales can impact traffic, waste, and public safety — so councils often require oversight.

🚫 What Happens If You Don’t Comply:

• You could face enforcement action or fines

• Future events may be blocked or restricted

• Your reputation with the council and community may suffer

✅ What You Should Do:

1. Contact your local council’s licensing department

2. Ask if your event qualifies as a market or charitable sale

3. Submit any required forms or notifications

4. Arrange insurance and operational plans

5. Be considerate of neighbours, parking, and litter

💡 Licensing Tip: Even informal or one-off events should be “done by the book” — it protects you and your attendees.