Frome Weekly Markets

A copy of this document is also available in different formats such as large print, Braille, audio or in a different language, please contact the office if this is required on info@frometowncouncil.gov.uk or 01373465757

Please provide details of all your social handles and website if you have one for your business

Please note: all pitch prices are exclusive of VAT.

The Market Coordinator is the appointed representative of Frome Town Council on the market and is responsible for running the market in line with Frome Town Council’s strategy and corporate priorities. The Market Team oversees all trading, and you may not trade without their permission. The Market Trader (‘Stall Holder’) is granted the right to use the market venue on market days for the sale of goods, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions set forth by the Frome Town Council. This right cannot be revoked without prior consultation with the stallholder, which will be ongoing weekly for regular traders and daily for casual traders. However, it is important to note that the Frome Town Council retains the full authority to decide not to hold a market on any specific day or days, following appropriate consultation. Pitch plans will be made approximately 10 working days before a market. Applications submitted after this time will only be considered if there is still space or a cancellation. Pitches are usually allocated 2 to 3 months before each market date. Traders must conduct their business in an honest, civil, and business-like manner. Any act of conduct that may cause offense to other traders, Market Coordinator, or members of the public is strictly forbidden. Trading shall not take place before or after the market times. Market Traders must keep their stalls open for business for the entire duration of the market unless otherwise arranged. The Market Coordinator may, at their discretion, cancel the market or change trading timings on any given day and the Town Council shall not be liable for any loss incurred because of the cancellation. Failure to comply with any established conditions may result in the Market Coordinator and Frome Town Council having the authority to deny a Market Trader the right to trade.

Market Traders are required to conduct their business in an honest, courteous, and professional manner at all times. Stallholders must refrain from interfering with the operations of other traders and must comply with any instructions provided by the Market Officer. Additionally, stallholders must promptly inform the Council in writing of any changes to their contact information. Traders must be actively engaged in business and trading from their stall; no individuals other than the trader or their authorized agents and employees (paid or unpaid) are permitted to use the stall or sell items from it. The use of obscene language or any actions that may offend other traders, Market Officers, or members of the public is strictly prohibited. Abusive or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated. Any actions, such as shouting or throwing items, that may create a nuisance or annoyance to other traders or the public are forbidden. Traders must not engage in behaviour that causes crowds to gather around their stall, obstructing gangways or roadways. Fighting, drug promotion or use, and smoking near the market stalls are strictly prohibited. The use of radios, tape recorders, record players, or any production or reproduction of music is not allowed unless for demonstration purposes only. Traders are responsible for ensuring that they and their agents or employees comply with all relevant laws, statutes, statutory instruments, local regulations, byelaws, and common law. Traders are expected to maintain a positive image at the market, treating customers, fellow traders, and others with respect at all times. They must not bring any negative publicity to the market, fellow traders, or the Council, including on social media platforms. Only signs related to the retail business may be displayed at the stall, and all signage must adhere to the Trades Description Act 1972. All traders must comply with current legislation, including The Consumer Rights Act 2015, Licensing Act 2003, and Weights and Measures Act 1985.

Under The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, the following conditions must be met when selling goods: 1. All items for sale must be clearly priced. 2. Items legally required to be sold by weight (e.g., cheese, meat, most fruits, and vegetables) must display a metric unit price (price per kg), whether sold pre-packed or loose. Pre-packed items must also show the weight and selling price. 3. All weighing scales used for pricing goods must be stamped. 4. No signs or notices should imply restrictions on consumers’ statutory rights. 5. Consumers’ statutory rights include that goods must be of reasonable quality, fit for purpose, and accurately described. 6. Food for sale must comply with statutory labelling requirements and compositional standards. Please note that these conditions are not a comprehensive summary of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. For more detailed advice for traders, visit the Trading Standards website at www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk.

Be familiar with The Consumer Rights Act 2015 regarding the sale of goods that are faulty, damaged, or not fit for their intended purpose. If a customer raises an issue, you must resolve it by offering an exchange, a credit note, or a full cash refund, but ultimately, the choice is the customers. Customers may return items that are not faulty simply because they found something else, they prefer, or in cases such as clothing that doesn’t fit. In such situations, you are not obligated to provide a refund, but if you believe the reason is genuine, offering an exchange or refund can build goodwill. Happy customers are likely to return. For further guidance, check the Citizens Advice website or contact your local bureau at 03454 040506.

All traders must have public liability insurance. Always carry your current valid insurance certificate for inspection by the Markets Team. Frome Town Council requires traders to indemnify the Council from all claims, demands, proceedings, damages, costs, and expenses. The minimum public liability insurance coverage required is £5,000,000 (5 million). You can obtain this type of insurance through membership with the National Market Traders Federation (www.nmtf.co.uk), but membership is not compulsory. Alternatively, you can seek advice from independent insurance specialists. As a market trader, it’s essential to be aware of other statutory legislation that applies to you. As a self-employed individual, you are required to register and pay National Insurance contributions. For more information, visit HMRC National Insurance.

All Traders/Stallholders must ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and its associated regulations. They are reminded of their legal duty of care to the public, which includes the provision of safe equipment and items used in their trading activities. Traders are expected to adhere to all reasonable requests for safety improvements issued by the Market Officer. In the event of adverse weather conditions, please refer to the Severe Weather Protocol document.

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