Wave of Support for Sunday Markets' Licence Renewal

Concern expressed about 'unnecessary' bureaucracy for reapplication

Picture: Chiswick Antiques and Vintage Market

April 13, 2025

There has been a huge wave of support for Sunday markets in Chiswick after fears were raised that they risked losing their licences.

All the event organisers are being asked to reapply after their existing permission expired. The licences for the Antiques and Vintage Market and the Food Street Market are due to be considered by the Hounslow Council Licensing Panel on Tuesday 29 April.

During the consultation period last month, the market organisers urged attendees and stallholders to provide supportive comments to be considered by the panel. This led to a large number of supportive comments with both markets receiving over 120 , many under the impression that there was a serious risk that a renewal would not be granted. The council insists that there was never a hidden agenda by they requirement to reapply and this is just a normal part of the regulatory process.

There were little or no objections to the renewal of either licence and, even those who raised concerns, such as a need for improved management of parking by stall holders, often expressed support for the market overall. Concerns were again raised about the crowding of the William Hogarth statue during the antiques market and a request made that stallholders should be excluded from within the railings around the monument, but market organiser Jenny Titmuss insisted that it was wrong to suggest there would ever be any lack of respect to the statue from traders at the event.

Many emails highlighted how they felt the markets foster a sense of community and bring people together and some mentioned them as important for mental well-being and social interaction, especially for the elderly or disabled.

There was a strong emphasis on how the market were believed to increase footfall on Sundays to the benefit nearby cafes, restaurants, and shop and boost the visibility and appeal of Chiswick as a destination.

Cllr Ron Mushiso said in his submission to the consultation, “I am writing to express my strong support for the Sunday markets in Chiswick and to raise concerns about the unnecessary bureaucratic burden being placed on them through the requirement to apply for new licences as if they were entirely new markets. This process, which includes a public consultation and the potential involvement of a licensing panel, is an unnecessary use of public resources and could threaten the continuation of these much-loved community events.”

He urged that a more streamlined process could be found for the renewal of licences.

Another local councillor told us, “The amount of support received for these markets is impressive but this was partly prompted by at least one organiser misleadingly suggesting they were under threat. The reality is that this was never likely to happen. The concern here is the unnecessary bureaucratic burden for local businesses and expense on officer time to process these full applications.”

Councillor Siddhu, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, Regulatory Services and Enforcement at Hounslow Council, said, “Chiswick’s fantastic Sunday markets have played an integral role in revitalizing Chiswick’s local economy after the pandemic and cementing our reputation as a destination borough that serves local communities and attracts visitors from far and wide.

“Unfortunately as the markets operate on a temporary licence, legally they must obtain a licence through a new application to ensure legal requirements are met.

“Whether it is sampling cheese or selecting freshly cut flowers, we know these markets are much-loved and cherished by many local residents.

“We will continue to work closely with the market traders to ensure their businesses can flourish and thrive.”