Itinerant vending

Itinerant vendors provide a convenient service to residents of Moreton Bay and visitors to the region. Itinerant vending is the sale of goods on the road from a commercial vending vehicle. These vehicles can only stop to make a sale when their driver is waved down by a person intending to make a purchase. Itinerant vending includes activities such as:

  • Mr Whippy
  • Home ice-cream van

You will need an itinerant vending permit if you wish to operate on Council roads and road reserves. Council regulates the sale of goods to make sure businesses operate safely and are considerate to residents and other people visiting public spaces.

You need to submit your application at least eight weeks before you will be selling goods. Once all supporting documents have been provided, your application will be reviewed and assessed under Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2011. Schedule 8(a).

We may consult with key stakeholders. It may take up to 30 business days from assessment to decision once all supporting documents have been provided.

You do not need a 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 should be provided with your application. The insurance policy must be in the same name as the applicant.

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
  • written evidence that the Department of Transport and Main Roads has approved your proposal if your business will operate on a State-controlled road.

Step 4.Review conditions

Make sure you review and understand the conditions for an Itinerant Vending permit. Specific conditions may be added after your application has been assessed. 

Step 5.Review fees and charges

In accordance with Council's fees and charges, a non-refundable application fee of T950 is payable at the time of application. Council will contact you for payment.

Other fees are payable when your permit is approved or renewed. These fees are:

  • a T949 annual commercial fee. This fee is on a pro rata monthly basis to 30 September.
  • a T951 annual renewal fee.

The renewal period for a permit is from 1 October to 30 September.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees if evidence is provided.

Step 6.Complete an application

Download and complete the Itinerant vending application form(PDF, 312KB) and submit along with your supporting documents:

The applicant for an approval must be a legal entity, such as a person, private company, public company or incorporated association. A partnership, cooperative, unincorporated association, body corporate, strata corporation, trust or political party is not a legal entity and cannot be considered the applicant.

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