Mobile special event vending permit

Apply for a roaming special event permit

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  Step 1: Check if you qualify for the permit

  Permit eligibility requirements

  • You are 19 years or older.
  • You are legally allowed to work in Canada.
  • You have a City of Vancouver Street Vendor Business Licence if you're operating a vending unit.

  Permit rules

  Before applying, confirm your vending activity meets the program requirements:

  • Single-day permit valid during event hours
  • Outside (but within 2 blocks) event areas
  • Mobile, small-scale vending only (no fixed locations)

  Note We recommend that you contact event organizers before applying. This program is intended to complement events that are at or near capacity and cannot accommodate additional vendors within the event area.

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  Step 2: Confirm what you can sell

  What you can sell

  • Event-related merchandise (for example team flags, novelty items, glow sticks)
  • Non-food items only

  What you cannot sell

  • Food, beverages, or pre-packaged foods
  • Alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, or vaping products
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Unrelated merchandise to the event
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  Step 3: Make sure your vending setup is compliant

  Vending setups allowed

  • Push carts or hand carts
  • Bicycles or cargo bikes
  • Pedalling (no unit)
  • Other small, non-motorized units
  • Must be operated by 1 person and remain movable at all times

  Vending setups not allowed

  • Vehicles or trailers
  • Tents or canopies
  • Generators or amplified sound
  • Fixed or stationary setups

  Vending location and timing rules

  • You must operate within 2 city blocks of the event.
  • Stay outside the event footprint.
  • Maintain clear pedestrian access.
  • Your permit is valid only on the event date and during event hours.
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  Step 4: Gather required documents and insurance

  What documentation you will need to provide

  If you do NOT have a vending unit:

  • Completed application form
  • Government-issued ID
  • Permit fee payment

  If you DO have a vending unit

  • Completed application form
  • Government-issued ID
  • Proof of Vancouver Business Licence
  • Proof of insurance
  • Photo of your vending unit
  • Permit fee payment

  Insurance requirements (if required)

  As a condition of being granted a vending permit, you must show “Proof of Liability Insurance” coverage which meets these minimum requirements:

  • Inclusive limit of $2,000,000 P.L. and P.D. (public liability & property damage)
  • Cross liability clause
  • City of Vancouver named as an insured

  You will need to:

  1. Download our Liability Insurance Certificate PDF file (175 KB)
  2. Forward the certificate to your insurance company to complete
  3. Upload it during your application

  Alert A permit will not be granted until proof of insurance has been received.

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  Step 5: Submit your application

  1. Fill out the Mobile Special Event Non-food Vendor Application Form PDF file (147 KB)
  2. Email your completed application and documents to: [email protected]
  3. Request an appointment with staff
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  Step 6 : Attend your appointment and pay fee

  • Staff will review your application (allow 2–3 days).
  • If approved, you’ll be invited to an in-person appointment.

  What to bring your appointment

  • Government ID
  • Payment for the permit fee
    • 1-day permit fee: $50.21 + GST
    • Information icon All fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase based on our Engineering Fees report PDF file (405 KB) and change without notice.