The chat dives into the wave of new Defra regulations now landing on the desks of ice cream van owners and mobile traders across the UK, unpacking what they mean for a trade rooted in nostalgia but facing rapid modernisation. We explore how updated environmental standards, emissions rules, and tighter controls on generators are reshaping the familiar jingle-lined streets of summer. Traders share concerns about the cost of compliance, from transitioning to cleaner power sources to navigating noise restrictions and new hygiene expectations. The conversation also touches on the cultural role of ice cream vans and whether regulation risks eroding a cherished part of British life, or if it’s an overdue step toward sustainability. Throughout, the chat balances practical advice with industry insight, offering a grounded look at how small traders can adapt, survive and keep the soft-serve flowing in a changing regulatory landscape.