Cash boost for booters

Dealers could save hundreds

Second-hand dealers across Perth and Kinross could save hundreds of pounds in fees in the future if councillors approve a paper this week.

The local authority’s licensing committee is scheduled to consider a proposal recommending that fees for those who sell their wares at car boot sales for a living be lowered to as little as £60 a year.

It is hoped the move will combat dealers operating without a licence.

Second-hand dealers currently pay £200 for a year-long licence.

The paper explains that a second-hand dealer’s licence is currently required “by any person carrying on a business as a dealer in certain second-hand goods or articles” such as electrical goods, musical instruments, cameras, bicycles, records or antiques.

The document goes on: “The cost of a second-hand dealer’s licence is £300 for a three-year licence and £200 for a one-year licence.

“In 2008, a decision was made to introduce a reduced fee to second-hand dealers selling antique items from a single cabinet at an antiques centre in order to encourage dealers to operate within the law.

“It has recently come to light that there are several car boot sales within the Perth and Kinross area where some of those taking up stands/stalls appear to be second-hand dealers but are operating without licences.

“It is important that all second-hand dealers are licensed, as this ensures that those traders are complying with the conditions of licence, which are designed to protect the public.

“However, it is recognised that for some very small businesses, operating only at one car boot sale, the cost of the licence may be prohibitive, and may discourage traders from applying for a licence.

“In order to encourage those unlicensed dealers to apply for licences, it is proposed that a reduced fee is introduced for secondhand dealers operating at car boot sales.

“This would be in line with those arrangements already in place for traders who have single cabinets at antique centres.

“It is proposed that a reduced fee be introduced for a second-hand dealers licence, for dealers trading at a single car boot sale once per week.

“It is proposed that the fee is £60 for a oneyear licence and £150 for a three-year licence.

“It is hoped that offering a reduced fee will achieve a balance between protecting the public and encouraging those who are operating a second-hand dealer’s business to be licensed.”

The licensing committee will decide whether or not to follow the paper’s recommendation to approve the reduced fees when it meets on Thursday.

The cost of a licence may be prohibitive