We R Blighty Found Guilty of Illegal Street Trading in the City of London
A community interest company claiming to support veterans has been fined after repeatedly flouting street trading and fundraising laws in the City of London.
We R Blighty (WRB), along with its directors Ben Mills and Danielle Vidler, pleaded guilty to a total of 42 offences at City of London Magistrates’ Court earlier this month. The offences included unlicensed street collections and illegal street trading across various locations in the Square Mile between August 2024 and February 2025.
Despite multiple warnings from the City of London Corporation’s Licensing Team, both in writing and in person, WRB continued to operate without the necessary permissions.
The company had been soliciting donations and selling goods under the appearance of charitable support. The court heard that 50% of the proceeds went to veterans’ support while the other 50% was retained by the operators themselves.
Mills and Vidler admitted to 14 charges each: eight under the Police, Factories, etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916, and six under the City of London (Various Powers) Act 1987. They were collectively fined £1,792 and ordered to pay £1,700 in costs.
John Fletcher, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Licensing Committee, said the case highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust in legal fundraising efforts.
“This prosecution sends a clear message: illegal street trading and unauthorised fundraising will not be tolerated in the City. The persistent unlawful nature of We R Blighty’s money collection and sale of articles for private gain without the pre-requisite authorisations is totally unacceptable,” Fletcher said.
“Our enforcement protects the integrity of charitable fundraising and the public, as well as organisations that comply with the law.”
The Corporation thanked its Licensing Team, legal advisers at Guildhall, and the City of London Police for their work in bringing the case to court.
The City of London Corporation regulates licensing under the Licensing Act 2003 to ensure public safety, prevent disorder, and support lawful business activity across the Square Mile.
Anyone collecting money or selling items on the street for charity must obtain a valid street collection licence under UK law. Failure to do so can result in prosecution, as demonstrated in the We R Blighty case.
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