STREET vendors in Oxford could be banned from selling single-use plastic, balloons and e-cigarettes.  

Oxford City Council is asking residents for their views on its updated Street Trading policy.

This would include vendors switching from using single-use plastic and polystyrene to more sustainable food packaging, drinks containers and bags.

The new policy contains a standard restriction so that the council will not allow the sale, use or distribution of single-use plastic in street trading.

Other measures include a ban on the sale of plastic and helium balloons, sky lanterns and e-cigarettes.

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The draft policy also encourages traders to deal with customers rubbish responsibly and places a new duty on traders to provide a litter bin for customer waste.

Councillor Diko Walcott, the council’s cabinet member with portfolio for licensing and regulation, said:

“Oxford’s street traders already use recycled products in their businesses but we hope they’re ready to move to even more eco-friendly ways of providing their services.

"This includes avoiding single-use plastics for packaging, cutlery, etc., adopting sustainable sources of food, drink and energy and reducing waste and litter.

“The revised policy also contains good news for charity or small community events, as we will no longer be charging street trading fees for validated events of these kinds.”

To take part in the consultation, visit https://consultation.oxford.gov.uk/regulatory-services-and-community-services/street-trading-policy-review-2022-23

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

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