A mobile smoothie bar due to operate from the Triangle in Teignmouth this year has pulled out after local traders raised concerns over the way the trading licence was issued.

Local businesses were angry that they had not been consulted about the street trading licence application for the Sunrise Shack, and they were concerned that opening the Triangle up to street traders would negatively impact the many cafes operating in the area.

Traders warned that issuing street trading licences to food and drink operators would have a detrimental effect on the town centre. They pointed out that the current economic climate, along with increased overheads and additional costs, such as the increased cost of Teignbridge pavement licences so cafés can put chairs and tables outside their premises, mean the trading environment is already tough enough without adding competitors who do not have to pay these costs.

‘The street trading licence is usually granted if it will not be offering products that are already being provided within the town,’ a Teignbridge District Council spokesperson said. ‘Based on the information from the applicant about their draft menu, it did not appear to be something currently offered within Teignmouth,’ the spokesperson added.

Teignbridge District Council, which oversees street trading licences, insisted that ‘all necessary processes were followed ahead of the licence being issued’. It said that a 14-day consultation began on December 19. ‘It is not a legal requirement to consult on a street trading application, however the (Teignbridge) Council does’, a Teignbridge Council spokesperson said. Teignbridge alerted six stakeholders to the licence application, including Teignmouth Town Council. However, Teignmouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, which represents local traders, was not alerted.

The 12-month street trading licence for the Sunrise Shack to operate out of the Triangle from Thursday to Sunday was issued on January 8. However, the Sunrise Shack has since withdrawn the application.