A cherished community café in Cheltenham, Tan’s Coffee Box, has had its plea to waive street trading fees rejected, raising concerns about the challenges small independent businesses face in the town. Tanya Baxter, the owner, operates the café from a converted horsebox on St Luke’s Road, near Saint Luke’s Church, serving locals and hospital visitors.
Tanya’s initial street trading permit, granted on June 20, 2024, expired on June 19, 2025. Although she applied for a renewal back in April, an error by Cheltenham Borough Council meant she was not invoiced for any fees during her first year. Consequently, while last year’s fees were waived, the council insists she must pay £3,298.32 for the upcoming year—a fee she disputes as excessively burdensome.
Represented by Hollie Wakefield, Tanya’s case was heard at a licensing sub-committee meeting. Wakefield highlighted the café’s vital role within the community, supported by a petition signed by over 300 people and numerous heartfelt letters. The coffee box is more than a business; it’s a welcoming hub fostering social connections, especially for vulnerable residents and hospital patients.
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Wakefield underscored that Tanya’s small business serves nearly 1,500 customers annually, including NHS workers, elderly neighbors, and those undergoing treatment, often providing the only interaction some people have during the day. She described how the café is a sanctuary during stressful times, uniquely blending commercial activity with community care.
Despite this, the council deemed the café a for-profit business, stating there is no provision to exempt such enterprises from standard fees. Comparisons reveal Cheltenham charges significantly more than neighbouring districts—up to five times more—adding pressure to local small businesses. Recent weeks saw three independent outlets close, signaling a broader crisis.
Council chairman Simon Wheeler acknowledged the community value of businesses like Tan’s Coffee Box but emphasized that all businesses must comply with fee requirements. Although sympathetic, the committee unanimously voted to enforce the existing charges.
The decision highlights the broader struggle faced by microbusinesses reliant on high footfall and community goodwill yet vulnerable to administrative decisions and financial burdens. With Cheltenham’s unemployment rates among the highest in Gloucestershire, the outcome raises questions about the sustainability of grassroots enterprises that contribute significantly to local life.