Itinerant vending

Itinerant vendors provide a convenient service to visitors and residents of Moreton Bay. Itinerant vending is trading on public roads from a commercial vehicle, for example, an ice cream van. These vehicles can only stop to make a sale when their driver is waved down by a person intending to make a purchase.

You will need approval to trade on public roads from a commercial vehicle. Council regulates these activities to ensure they are carried out safely while taking other public space users and residents into consideration, and to maintain the purpose and amenity of our public spaces.

You need to apply with all supporting documentation at least 30 business days before you will be selling goods. Once all supporting documents have been provided, your application will be reviewed and assessed under the Commercial Use of Public Land and Roads Local Law 2023.

You do not need local law approval if you only want to sell from private property, such as an industrial premises. Permission is required from the property owner before entering private property. Other approvals may be required if you are operating from private property. If you are unsure, contact Council.

How to apply

Step 1.Complete a risk management plan

Complete the Risk management plan template(DOCX, 927KB).

Step 2.Take out public liability insurance

Evidence of a current public liability insurance policy to the value of $20,000,000 in the same name as the applicant should be provided with your application.

Ensure the location listed on your policy includes public land, for example, anywhere in Australia or Worldwide. This must be outlined either on your certificate of currency or the terms and conditions of your policy and provided to Council. If this is not listed, obtain written confirmation from your insurer.

Step 3.Collect supporting documents

You may need to provide other documents and licences, depending on your business. If applicable, provide:

  • a copy of the business vehicle registration details
  • photos of the vehicle
  • a copy of the food licence required under the Food Act 2006

Step 4.Review conditions

Make sure you review and understand the (PDF, 387KB)(PDF, 403KB)Commercial use of public land and roads condition(PDF, 387KB)s. Specific conditions may be added after your application has been assessed. 

Step 5.Review fees and charges

An application fee is payable at the time of submission per Council’s fees and charges. Council will contact you for payment.

The first column is the type of fee, the second column advises the fee amount, and the third column explains the fee's purpose.

Fee type  Amount Details
Application fee  201206 This is a one-time fee paid when submitting your application.  
Commercial use of public land annual charge  201194 Charged pro rata from the approval date to 30 September. Then annually, each September, for the approval term between 1 October to 30 September.
Renewal fee  201209 Charged annually in September to renew an approval for the approval term between 1 October to 30 September.
Amendment application fee  201207 Payable when an application to change an existing approval is submitted. There is no fee for minor changes, for example, trading name or contact details.
Transfer application fee  201208 Payable when an application to transfer an existing approval to another person or business is submitted. Note: Not all approvals are eligible for transfer. Check the approval conditions before applying.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees with evidence of eligibility. 

Step 6.Complete an application

Download and complete the Commercial use of public land and roads(PDF, 940KB) application form and submit it along with your supporting documents:

The applicant for approval must be a legal entity, such as an individual, company, incorporated body, unincorporated body, partnership, body corporate or trustee.

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