Derby teen's bid for new vegan food stall refused by council 

A teenager’s bid to start up a new vegan food trailer business in Derby city centre has been refused by councillors.

Nineteen-year-old Qasim Khan attended a licensing hearing at Derby City Council’s headquarters earlier this month asking for permission for a pitch at one of three city centre locations for his new Vegan Express business.

But the council has refused the licensing application saying that the sites he applied for are not currently suitable.

Mr Khan has expressed his desire to add variety to the city centre’s food offering and suggested several locations where he would like to set up if approved. 

These were St Peter’s Churchyard - near to the corner opposite Costa - or one of two spots at St Peter’s Street - one near the Natwest bank and the other at the bottom end near Victoria Street.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Khan, his father Muhammad told the hearing that the aim of the business was to give Derby people a different food offer.

He said: “He (Qasim) is 19-years-old and is finishing college soon. He wants to start his own business. This will encourage other young people (to do the same) when they see him working there.”

Mr Khan said Vegan Express’s food offering is “totally different” to nearby restaurants and cafes, so there would be no competition clash.

He added: “We don’t want to create any obstruction to any businesses.“

But the council received objections to the proposal including one from Derby Live - the council’s live events and entertainment department. 

Following the hearing, Derby City Council said in a decision notice that the authority was in favour of applications of this nature but, in this instance, the street trading licensing application was refused because of obstruction fears.

The applicant is within his rights to submit a fresh application for a different site should he wish to do so.