Mobile Vendors Licence
Planning to conduct sales from a stand, cart, table, bike or motorized vehicle outdoors? You'll need to apply for a mobile vendors licence.
The City reviews applications from vendors on private commercial sites. Applicants must provide a copy of the written agreement with the property owner, and the unit’s location must be approved by the Licensing Officer.
Vending is also permitted from public parking spaces in certain commercial zones:
- Churchill Square: Two leased sites where a vehicle may remain year-round. The City has designated a small area of the Churchill Square parking lot as an open air market, generally referred to as the “farmers market”. Fourteen parking stalls are allocated for the market area which are renewable annually in May.
- Downtown: Five leased sites where vehicles may remain year-round. On Harbour Drive, vendors may use metered spaces while operating; meters must be paid, and vehicles cannot be left unattended.
Before applying, ensure you consider the following:
Apply for a Mobile Vending Licence Read Mobile Vending By-Law Apply for Churchill Square Open Air Market Lot Space
Location
Vending businesses are generally only permitted in Commercial and Industrial Zones.
Storage
A commercial area is required to store the units when not in use.
Insurance
Proof of $2 million automobile liability insurance for all motorized vehicles used in conjunction with your vending business (for transporting and/or storing product) and proof of $2 million commercial general liability insurance is required.
Other Requirements
Approval from Service NL is required for the sale of all food items. Certification from a recognized propane agency is required for units containing propane installations.
Fees
- Table Sales: $250 per year
- Push Carts: $500 per year
- Motorized Vehicles: $500 per year
- Bicycles: $100 per year
- Temporary Licence (1 to 30 days maximum): $250 ($200 refundable deposit)
Fees can be paid to Access St. John's by calling 311 or 754-CITY (2489) or visiting the Access Centre at City Hall, first floor, 10 New Gower Street.
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