Mobile Traders

When is a mobile trading licence needed?

If you would like to trade in a public place, you will need a Mobile Trading Licence.  Mobile trading means a vehicle (whether self- propelled or not) from which goods and/or services are offered for sale.  An example of this is a mobile food truck/trailer.

Here is an application form. It is recommended that you read the information below first and the Environmental Health Bylaw – Part 2 Mobile Trading.

 

When is a mobile trading licence not needed?

You do not need a licence for the following activities:

  • on private property, e.g., entering a workplace and offering goods for sale, or a mobile shop located within the boundary of a private property however you may need other permits or consents.  We recommend getting in touch with Council by phoning 03 211 1777 or emailing customer.service@icc.govt.nz
  • sale of fish by the owner of a fishing vessel, provided that the fishing boat is registered under Section 103 of the Fisheries Act 1996.
  • any market which has a current permission under any other bylaw, legislation, resource consent, specific resolution of Council, or written permission by an authorised officer.
  • any stall or stand operated by a local or nationally recognised charitable entity, or a not-for-profit community organisation.

 

Do I need a food registration?

Mobile food businesses must comply with the same food safety requirements as any other food operator and are required to have a food registration.  We recommend getting in touch with Council by phoning 03 211 1777 or emailing dutyhealth@icc.govt.nz.

Details on how to apply can also be found on the Food business page on this website.

 

Do I need an alcohol licence?

If you intend to sell and supply alcohol, you will need the appropriate licence. We recommend getting in touch with our alcohol team to discuss these requirements dlc@icc.govt.nz or refer to the Alcohol licensing page on this website.

 

Do I need a resource consent?

If you intend to set up a mobile business on private land, it must comply with District Plan rules. We recommend getting in touch with our resource management team to discuss any requirements by phoning +64 3 211 1777 or emailing Duty.Planner@icc.govt.nz.  You can also get further information by visiting Planning – Resource Management page on this website.

 

Where can I sell?

1.     At council pre-approved sites

A mobile trading licence will permit you to trade at any or all of the twelve (12) sites pre-approved by Council.  These are located in Invercargill, Otatara and Bluff.  You can refer to the Schedule of pre-approved locations for food trucks  for site maps and conditions. The pre-approved sites in Council reserve land will need an independent booking approved by Council Parks and Recreation Department.

2.     On Council reserve land (i.e., parks and open spaces)

These can only be used if the mobile trader is either:

  1. Part of an organised event, where the licence owner has obtained permission from both the event organiser and the Council Parks and Recreation Department. Or
  2. Has an independent booking approved by the Council Parks and Recreation Department.

For further information from Council Parks and Recreation department:

  1. Visit ICC webpage to book: https://icc.bookable.co.nz
  2. If you require assistance making a booking, contact the Bookings Team on 03 219 9070 or email Parks.Recreation@icc.govt.nz

3.     Council Road that is not part of the pre-approved sites discussed in 1 above

Council roads can only be used if the licence owner has obtained permission from the Council Roading Department.

For further information from the Council Roading department:

  1. Visit ICC webpage for the application form to apply for use of the street frontage or roadway https://icc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Application_Mobile-Food-Vendors_Street-Stalls_Street-Days_fillable4.pdf.
  2. If you require assistance making a booking, contact the Roading Department on 03 211 1777 or email corridormanager@icc.govt.nz.

 

What are the licence conditions?

  1. All licensees must comply with the Environmental Health Bylaw – Part 2 Mobile Trading 
  2. Your specific trading conditions will be attached to your licence.
  3. The following general conditions apply to mobile traders using the Council street frontage or roadway:
    • All sites must be safe for pedestrians and persons with disabilities, during placement/removal of mobile food vehicle and immediately afterwards.
    • Any damage to footpaths, vehicle crossings, trees and road frontages must be immediately reported to the Council Road Corridor Manager.
    • A Temporary Traffic Management Plan may be required for approval, to the Road Corridor Manager, Invercargill City Council, where the activity is deemed to be affecting the normal operation of the footpath or road.
    • At least a 1.8m footpath clearance must be retained between mobile food vehicle and any existing structure, tree, parking kiosk etc.
    • The Mobile Food business cannot operate when activities or events are being held on neighbouring properties or road reserve without permission of the adjacent neighbouring business or property owners.
    • Mobile Food businesses must operate from the kerbside and not have customers in a live traffic lane.
    • The applicant must provide their own rubbish bins and remove all rubbish at the end of each working day.

Also note:

    • Street frontage or roadway locations may not be available for use by mobile traders from time to time. The Council reserves the right to restrict the use of Council roads at any time, without notice to the mobile trader permit holder.
    • Street frontage or roadway locations are available on a first in-first served basis, and are not available to be booked for specific times.
  1. Site specific conditions can be seen below each pre-approved site in the Schedule of pre-approved locations for food trucks.

How long are licenses issued for?

Mobile Trading Licence(s) issued are valid for not more than one year from their date of issue and, if not revoked, may be renewed by payment of a further annual fee, prescribed under Council’s Fees and Charges.

 

How do I apply for a licence?

  1. Complete the mobile trading application form and attach all supporting documents.
  2. Send the form and all supporting documents to dutyhealth@icc.govt.nz or drop it off at Invercargill City Council, 101 Esk Street, Invercargill or post to Private Bag 90104, Invercargill.
  3. Once your application has been received by Council an invoice will be sent to you for payment of the applicable fees. You can refer to the fees and charges here. This may take up to 20 working days.

 

Fees and charges

Fees and charges for mobile trading licence is available here.

 

Need help?

For advice on applying for a mobile trading licence or making changes to an existing licence please contact the environmental health team by:

Email dutyhealth@icc.govt.nz
Phone 03 211 1777

 

To contact other teams:

Alcohol

Email dlc@icc.govt.nz
Phone 03 211 1777

Council Parks and Recreation Department:

Email Parks.Recreation@icc.govt.nz
Phone +64 3 219 9070

Planning

Email Duty.Planner@icc.govt.nz
Phone 03 211 1777

Roading:

Email corridormanager@icc.govt.nz
Phone +03 211 1777

 

Mobile Trading Forms and Guides