Roadside vending permit

We regulate mobile and stationary roadside vending to ensure they operate in a safe manner for pedestrians and road users.

You will need a permit from us if you want to operate a mobile or stationary roadside vending business.

Permits cannot be transferred. If you are taking over an existing business, you will need to apply for a new permit.

Permits are valid until the 31 August each year (except for temporary licences) and are renewed annually. Fees may apply for a new permit or for permit renewal. For more information visit Permits & licensing renewals.

Mobile roadside vending

Mobile roadside vendors travel from place to place on a road and are waved down by customers. Mobile roadside vendors sell products that are either ready for sale or prepared in a short period, for example pre-packaged food and coffee.

The following conditions apply:

  • Vending must be conducted on roads only. The sale of goods in parks, including parking areas within parks and on beaches is prohibited.
  • The operator must be waved down in order to make a sale.
  • Stopping time on the roadside is limited to the duration of the sale. Waiting for customers is not permitted.
  • Operators are prohibited from selling their products or services within 250 metres of a fixed food premises that is open and provides the same, or similar, goods or services.

Stationary roadside vending

Stationary roadside vending operates in one place. The following conditions apply:

  • The operation must be located outside a 5-kilometre radius of a retail shop, other commercial premises, or another stationary vending operation, that sells or provides similar products or services.
  • Hours of operation must not adversely affect the amenity of the neighbourhood.

For more information about food licence criteria, call us on 07 5667 5987.

How to apply

Use this form to apply for a roadside vending permit to operate mobile or stationary vending activities from a road. Fees apply.

You may be eligible for nil fees if you can show that you own, rent or lease a rateable property within the City of Gold Coast, or are a registered charity, voluntary sporting, community, religious or incorporated not-for-profit organisation.

By email

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to submit the following supporting information with your application:

  • evidence of nil fee eligibility.

Stationary vending applications also need:

  • public liability insurance certificate of currency for a minimum of AU$10 million (mandatory for stationary vending). The insurance policy must be in the same name as the applicant.
  • site plan detailing set up
  • map location.

Mobile vending applications also need:

  • photos of the vehicle and set up including vehicle registration number.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete the Roadside vending permit form(PDF, 187KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Email to: mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

In person

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to submit the following supporting information with your application:

  • evidence of nil fee eligibility.

Stationary vending applications also need:

  • public liability insurance certificate of currency for a minimum of AU$10 million (mandatory for stationary vending). The insurance policy must be in the same name as the applicant.
  • site plan detailing set up
  • map location.

Mobile vending applications also need:

  • photos of the vehicle and set up including vehicle registration number.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Roadside vending permit form(PDF, 187KB)

Step 3.Visit one of our customer service centres

Submit your application at one of our customer service centres Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.30pm.

By mail

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to submit the following supporting information with your application:

  • evidence of nil fee eligibility.

Stationary vending applications also need:

  • public liability insurance certificate of currency for a minimum of AU$10 million (mandatory for stationary vending). The insurance policy must be in the same name as the applicant.
  • site plan detailing set up
  • map location.

Mobile vending applications also need:

  • photos of the vehicle and set up including vehicle registration number.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Roadside vending permit form(PDF, 187KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Post to:

City of Gold Coast
PO Box 5042
GCMC QLD 9726

Renew a licence/permit

Find out how to renew a licence or permit if there is no renewal fee or if payment of a fee is required.

Amend licence/permit

Use the Amend licence/permit form to apply to:

  • change your business or contact information
  • modify your operation or request a change to conditions of approval.

Cancel a licence/permit

Use the Cancel a licence/permit form to cancel an existing licence/permit. No fees apply.

Replace approval documentation

Use the Replace approval documentation form to apply for replacement approval documentation for your permit or licence.

Transfer an existing licence/permit

Use the Transfer of licence/permit form when taking over an existing business that has a current licence.

Related information

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