Mobile Food Vendors
Mobile food vendors contribute to the vibrancy of our towns and settlements, strengthening the enviable lifestyle and emerging economy of the Adelaide Plains Council region. If your business sells food or drinks from a vehicle (such as a car, van, or trailer), it is considered to be a mobile food vending business. If you plan to operate on a public road, you must apply for a permit to trade.
On this page: Permit requirements / How to apply / More information / Documents
Permit requirements
A permit is required to operate as a mobile food vendor on a public road under section 222 of the Local Government Act 1999. Our Mobile Food Vendor Policy outlines the requirements of permits to balance the economic growth of our region with the interests of our local community and existing local food businesses. When trading, a mobile food vendor must carry their permit.
Locations
Mobile food vendors may operate on public roads with speed limits of 50km/h or less, no less than 100 metres from another food business. A mobile food vendor may be located closer to an existing food business with their written permission, or during special events. Our Mobile Food Vendor Policy outlines site requirements.
Permits are not required for land not on public roads, such as reserves, ovals or car parks, however permission of the land owner must be sought. For example, mobile food vendors wishing to operate in the car park at the Lewiston dog park still require permission from Council. If you’re operating on private land, you may also need a development application.
Events
During events that are held on public roads, a permit and approval from the event organiser is required.
Other legislative requirements
Mobile food vendors must remember to follow requirements under other legislation, including:
- Food Act 2001
- South Australian Public Health Act 2011
- Environment Protection Act 1993
- Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016
- Motor Vehicle Act 1959 and Road Traffic Act 1961
- Liquor Licensing Act 1997
- legislation relating to electrical or gas installations or appliances
- relevant legislation relating to health, safety, or the environment
South Australian legislation can be viewed on the Government of South Australia’s website.
How to apply for a permit
We recommend applying for a permit as soon as possible.
Complete the Section 222 Permit application form, and send it to us by email, or drop into our office.
Your application will then be assessed according to our policy.
Before completing an application, have the following information ready:
- Business details
- A list of furniture and equipment you plan to use
- Trading hours
- Insurance certificate
Fees
There is a fee to apply to trade as a mobile food vendor, and a fee per day, month or year depending on your choice. These must be paid prior to trading.
| Type of fee | Amount in 2025/2026 |
|---|---|
| Application fee (Business use of a road administration fee) | $173 |
| Daily | $50 |
| Monthly | $200 |
| Annually | $1,500 |
More information
Trading hours
You will need to nominate your hours of operation when applying for a permit. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the hours of operation are reasonable for the occasion and location.
Rubbish
Council does not supply rubbish bins. You will be responsible for the storage and disposal of rubbish and recycling.
Transferring a permit
Permits are not transferable under the Local Government Act 1999. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Selling alcohol
You will need a liquor license under the Liquor Licensing Act 1997.
Event permits
During events that are held on public roads, a permit and approval from the event organiser are required. The event organiser may have applied for a permit to cover all mobile food vendors – check with the event organiser first.
Last updated 1 July 2025