Unlicensed sellers took to the streets of Islington this morning in an attempt to capitalise on Valentine’s Day trade. However, the two women who opened a pop-up stall on Blackstock Road caused fury among other business owners.
John Mackie, who runs White Brothers, was furious when he saw the tables selling Valentine’s Day gift sets outside his shop.
The green grocer, and former Leyton Orient footballer, told City News that the unlicensed sellers posed an unfair threat to local businesses, who have to pay business rates and rent. He said, “If everyone could do that there would be no shop keeps.”
John Mackie called the local authorities who later removed the unlicensed stall and gave the women a caution. The authorities have stated that they will continue to monitor the area.
