BARNSLEY’S Campaign for Real Ale has called on the council to ‘urgently’ review its street trading policy - warning that rules are seriously impacting local pubs and breweries across the town.
The local branch of CAMRA say that the current rules are placing ‘unfair financial and administrative burdens’ on venues.
Under the policy, any trading taking place in areas accessible to the public including privately owned pub beer gardens and brewery sites is classified as ‘street trading’.
This means food vendors working at pubs or taprooms must apply for consent and pay fees, even when operating entirely on private property with the venue’s permission.
The organisation is arguing that the policy unintentionally discourages work between drinking establishments and food firms, resulting in the potential risk of reducing events, open days and community activities that benefit the local economy.
They are calling for a clear exemption for food vendors operating on privately owned premises with the landowner’s consent, particularly where those premises are already licensed.
CAMRA has asked councillors, MPs and the public to support a review of the policy - ultimately backing local pubs and breweries.
Chairman Phil Gregg said: “This policy is having a real and damaging impact on pubs and breweries that are already struggling.
“These venues are not street trading hotspots - they are licensed, regulated businesses trying to create vibrant, welcoming spaces for the community.
“Food vendors are an essential part of modern hospitality.
“They help drive footfall, support local jobs, and make venues more sustainable.
“Penalising pubs for hosting them on their own land is simply unfair.
“This is about common sense.
“We fully support appropriate regulation, but this is duplication.
“It’s harming the very businesses that make Barnsley’s hospitality scene thrive.”
Matt O’Neil, executive director for growth and sustainability, added: “We’re committed to supporting our borough’s hospitality sector and we fully appreciate the unique contribution pubs and breweries make to our communities and local economy.
“Last year, as part of a wide-ranging business support package, we paid business rates for many eligible local pubs, brewery taprooms, and hospitality businesses, and we are doing the same in 2026.
“In 2025, we introduced street trading controls to create a clear legal framework to manage street trading consistently across the borough.
“Street traders must secure consent from the council to be able to trade in our borough.
“This includes if a mobile food vendor pitches up at a local pub or brewery taproom which the public can access for free.
“We recognise the unique trading pattern of street traders who attend events at local pubs and brewery taprooms, often requested with little notice, and we introduced a new type of consent.
“This allows a street trader to attend events at unlimited venues without the need to submit individual applications for each location.
“These consents are issued quarterly and cover the whole of the borough, excluding the town centre.
“Barnsley is not alone in South Yorkshire by asking businesses to require street trading consent to protect public safety, ensure fair regulation, and manage street trading activity consistently.
“Street traders are encouraged to contact tour team to discuss their individual circumstances.
“More information is available online at barnsley.gov.uk/street-trading.”
