That's why we're tough on making sure the Code of Conduct is enforced. If any part of it is broken, a vendor can be banned from selling. Bans range from a few hours to a number of days, depending on the offence. If vendors carry on selling when banned, the ban is doubled. There's a grievance procedure to ensure the system is as fair as possible.
Permanent bans are extremely rare and the vast majority of vendors act as very good salespeople.
But often the problems associated with homelessness, like drug misuse and street drinking, can cause problems for other people in the area. We work closely with the police, traders' groups, local residents groups, town centre wardens and city centre managers to tackle and come up with solutions to problems that are common to us all. We have trained probationary police officers in Manchester on homelessness and how The Big Issue in the North works. This has led to a much better understanding between The Big Issue in the North and the police on the street. And we're in constant dialogue with agencies like the police, local authorities, housing associations, and drugs and alcohol services, which too often fail homeless people.