The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council was scheduled to consider an application for a permanent street trading licence. The primary focus of the meeting was the application by Vesuvio On The Road for a 12-month street trading licence to operate a pizza van.

Application for a Street Trading Licence: Vesuvio On The Road

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for a permanent 12-month street trading licence for Vesuvio On The Road . The applicant, Mr Vincenzo Rea, sought to trade hot and cold ready-to-eat food, specifically pizza, from a trailer located in two parking spaces outside St Pius X Church, The Triangle, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 3RU. The proposed trading hours were Tuesday to Saturday, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, commencing on 2 February 2026.

The report pack indicated that the council would consider three options:

1. Grant the application as it currently stands.
2. Grant the application subject to conditions or restrictions.
3. Refuse the application.

The application was subject to consultation, and representations were received from both Responsible Authorities and Other Persons . One representation was received from the Council's Highways Officer, raising concerns about the demand for on-street parking in the area and the potential negative impact on local businesses and safety due to the loss of parking capacity.

Twenty-two representations were received from Other Persons , citing a range of concerns including parking, noise, accessibility, smells, litter, pollution, congestion, road safety, and the suitability of trading so close to a church, particularly during services. Several objectors specifically raised concerns about the proposed trading hours on Saturday evenings coinciding with Saturday evening Mass at St Pius X Church. Other objections focused on the environmental impact of a wood-burning pizza oven and its potential contravention of the council's Air Quality Action Plan. There were also concerns raised about the visual impact of the van and its promotional features, as well as potential impacts on established local food businesses.

The report pack also detailed the legal framework for street trading licences under the London Local Authorities Act 1990, outlining the grounds on which an application could be refused. These included an unsuitable location, undue interference or inconvenience to persons or vehicles, adverse effects on the general amenity of the area, and the applicant's suitability. The council's Street Trading Policy, adopted in May 2020, was also relevant to the determination of the application.

The committee was provided with details of the applicant's proposed trading structure, the commodities to be traded, and information regarding food hygiene training. The report also outlined the procedure for Licensing Sub-Committees, including the opportunity for applicants and objectors to present their cases.