Overview

The Trading in Public Places Policy allows the following in public places such as footpaths, parks and sportsfields:

• temporary retail and food stalls
• retail kiosks
• recreational equipment hire
• hawking
• open air markets.

The Council will consider applications to trade from specific locations based on:

• the nature of the goods to be sold
• appearance of the proposed stall
• impact on the neighbouring properties
• the layout of the proposed location.

Trading from a private property is preferable, as long as you first have the property owner’s permission and there are no adverse safety or traffic impacts.

Getting Permission

In most cases, the Council will tender out approved trading sites when they become available.

If you want to propose a new trading activity in a public place, you should contact the Street Activities Coordinator to discuss your proposal.

Complete and send in a trading licence application form when you are ready to get a licence.

Food Stalls

You need to have a Mobile Food Stall Licence if selling food from a stall on any property (whether on private or public property, in the central business district or suburbs, roads or parks). If you are preparing or selling foods, contact the Environmental Health team to find out how you can obtain this licence.

Mobile Food Stall Licence or Registration Application (76Kb PDF)

Christmas Trees

You can sell Christmas trees in public places outside the central business district if you comply with some commonsense conditions around safety, access and consideration for others. If you don’t comply with these conditions, you may be asked to leave.

Conditions for Selling Christmas Trees (44Kb PDF)

You may be able to obtain a trading licence for using a specific public site within the central business district, but first you would need to submit a proposal to the Council including details of where, when, and size of the proposed temporary stall.

Hawking

Hawking is defined in the Trading in Public Places Policy as "trading from a vehicle and only stopping long enough to sell to a customer". Hawking is only allowed in the suburbs and does not require a trading licence. To hawk food, you need to have a Mobile Food Stall Licence from Council's Environmental Health team.

Application for Mobile Food Stall Licence or Registration (76Kb PDF)

Charity Stalls

Not-for-profit charity stalls on the public footpath are covered by the Footpath Management Policy and need to be approved by the Street Activities Coordinator. Charity stalls are typically only approved for the following areas:

• Cuba Mall
• Manners Mall
• Wellington suburbs.

Footpath Management Policy

More Information

Gail Reeves
Street Activities Coordinator

Environmental Health team

Related Links

• Guidelines for Temporary Signs in Public Places (198Kb PDF)
• Food Stall and Event Guidelines (71Kb PDF)
• Public Places Bylaw
• Selling Safe Food with Confidence (722Kb PDF)

Department Details:
Transport Group