Mobile food vehicle permits

At its meeting on 7 February 2012, Council agreed to introduce guidelines under which mobile food vans will be allowed to operate in Yarra.

Previously, mobile food vans found operating in Yarra's streets and parks have been asked to move on by Council officers.

Mobile food vans are not yet able to operate in Yarra. Council must first decide on a fee structure for the permits that will be issued under the guidelines. A decision on the fee structure is expected to be made by mid-2012.

More information

Under the guidelines, mobile food vans are not permitted to operate within 200 linear metres of an open take away food business, although in busy entertainment areas Council officers could grant a permit providing affected traders were consulted first.

The guidelines also stipulate that:

Residential amenity should not be unreasonably compromised by the operation of a mobile food vehicle
Litter must be cleared at all times from in and around the mobile food vehicle site by the operator
The preparation, handling and serving of food and drinks to patrons must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Food Act 1984 and Council's Public Health Unit
Mobile food vehicles must not be located closer than 200 linear metres to an existing and operational take away food business unless its hours of operation are outside those permitted existing trading hours of nearby food businesses
Mobile food vehicle sites cannot be located within or immediately adjacent to areas zoned as residential (including mixed use zones) under the Yarra Planning Scheme
A temporary permit must be obtained to operate within a Council park or reserve during events, festivals or other occasions as determined by Council
Council officers will monitor the operation of a mobile food vehicle trading permit to ensure the permit and guidelines are consistently being met
Observation of a breach or complaint will be followed up by Council officers with the permit holder.

Here are the pdf format Guidelines for mobile food vehicles.pdf (324.52kB) adopted by Council at its meeting on 7 February 2012.

In addition to these guidelines, Council resolved that it be a requirement of each permit that only biodegradable food packaging be used.

Further information
Compliance Branch
9205 5063
info@yarracity.vic.gov.au