Street trading

In this section:

• Outdoor cafés - includes code, permits, fees, and suppliers
• Street stalls and kiosks - includes criteria, permanent sites, food and refreshment sites, markets, and fees
• Spruiking
• Busking
• Consumption of liquor
• Horse-drawn vehicles
• Fundraising
• Advertising and fundraising - includes banners, handbills, portable advertising and bill posters
• Begging

The City of Melbourne supports and encourages street trading activities to enhance the city and residential precincts.

Council’s Street Trading Unit provides the guiding principles, decision-making criteria and administrative guidelines for the effective management of street trading activities on the footpaths, streets, open spaces, and public spaces within the City of Melbourne.

Types of street trading include:

• flower and fruit stalls;
• mobile food vans;
• horse-drawn carriages (and other types of 'joy riding' );
• outdoor cafes;
• newspaper kiosks and pillars;
• temporary street trading activities (supplementary to festivals/events); and
• seasonal stalls, generally over winter or summer, depending upon the type of product/service being sold

Council encourages a range of commercial activities by issuing permits for:

• services that enhance city precincts, eg outdoor cafes;
• street stalls for the convenient purchase of fruit, flowers, newspapers and magazines, and tickets for specific trading sites such Yarra River tour boat operators;
• activities related to major events including licensed food and drink vans, ticket sales, merchandising and seasonal trading eg hot chestnut stands;
• tourist-related services such as horse-drawn carriages and vintage cars, and art and craft markets; and
• Trading initiatives that support the unemployed or disadvantaged such as sales of Big Issue magazine.

While it is recognised that street trading adds interest and colour to the city, it is also important for Council to maintain pedestrian safety, traffic flow and improve visual amenity.

Council recognises the need to revise and update processes and legislation controlling street trading activities and maintain the financial viability of existing businesses in the municipality.

Two Local Laws help protect the environment, in maintaining a high standard of safety, amenity and access in the City, in standardising Council meeting procedures and in providing a means of honouring outstanding citizens.

For details of the events and activities that take place on the streets of the municipality, from busking to outdoor cafés, and the permits required, please choose from the drop down menu above. Please call the City of Melbourne on (03) 9658 9658 or  Contact us online if you require further information.