Apply for a footpath trading permit - promotions, collections, leafleting, and busking

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Overview of footpath trading permits

To ensure pedestrian access and safety is maintained, a permit is required for the following activities on footpaths and Council land:

  • leaflet distribution 
  • promotional events
  • charitable collections, and busking
  • a vehicle to assist with the above promotional activities.

Amplification and marquees or other similar structures are not permitted. 

Leaflet distribution

A permit from Council is required before distributing any advertising leaflets, flyers, business cards, brochures, newspapers and magazines. 

It does not give permission to distribute food items, promotional merchandise or sample products.

You will need to complete an online application for an advertising leaflets permit. You will need:

  • a copy of your Certificate of Currency (Public Liability Insurance)
  • the applicant's name must match the name of the insured
  • the policy number
  • name and details of insurer
  • insured for a minimum of $10million 
  • be covered for the period of leaflet distribution 
  • to provide a copy of the leaflet being distributed.

Apply for advertising leaflets distribution permit

Conditions include:

  • leaflet distribution is only allowed at the times specified in the permit
  • leaflet distribution may only be conducted in areas nominated on the form - roaming the streets is not permitted
  • if the distribution requires access to private property, the owner’s consent must be obtained prior to distribution
  • people distributing leaflets must not impede the flow of pedestrians - pedestrian access must be maintained at all times
  • no tables, props, equipment, stages, back drops or marquees are to be used
  • any vehicle brought to the location are to be parked according to the Australian Road Rules - vehicles are not to be parked on footpaths, parks or reserves
  • amplification is prohibited
  • all litter resulting from the distribution must be removed.

Failure to comply with any of these conditions will result in the forfeiture of the bond and infringement penalties.

Publicity and promotional events

A permit is required when conducting a promotion on Council land to display a new product. It’s also required for promotional sampling such as distributing free samples of food, drink or merchandise.

You should read through Council's terms and conditions of a promotional event permit before applying. 

Apply for a promotional event permit 

When promoting food or drinks, all consumables must be hermetically sealed, list all ingredients, and include a use-by date. The distribution of unsealed or unlabelled food or drink is prohibited.

Busking permits

All buskers must get permission to perform on Council land.

Complete the form below to get a Busking Permit.

Apply for a Busking Permit

Charity collections

You must get a permit to run a charity collection on Council land.

Complete the form below to request a permit.

Apply for a Charitable Collections Permit

Event assistant vehicles

Some promotional activities require a vehicle to be located within a close proximity to access refrigerated products or merchandise.

A Stand Plant Permit enables you to park close-by and can override timed meters, allowing the vehicle to park for up to 24 hours.

Apply for an Occupy Council Road and/or Footpath Permit

In all instances, the vehicle must be legally parked. Vehicles are not permitted on parks, footpaths and mall areas. Pedestrian access is to be maintained and unrestricted at all times.

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