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                    Casual street trading cylinders

                    A street trading cylinder with small items for sale, across the road from the town hall
                    Casual street trading enlivens the city with 'pop-up' style shops. In City of Melbourne casual street trading is permitted in street trading cylinders, which are permanent stainless steel structures that open into a small shop on the footpath.

                    There are four street trading cylinders that are available for casual trading and may be approved for periods of one day to up to six months, subject to availability.

                    How is casual street trading different to the long-term street trading cylinders?

                    Long-term street trading cylinder permits are issued for three years and are granted through a City of Melbourne tender process.

                    Locations of casual street trading cylinders

                    • In front of 461 Bourke Street
                    • In front of 156 Elizabeth Street
                    • In front of 60 Elizabeth Street
                    • Spencer Street, west of Bourke Street 

                    Availability

                    • 461 Bourke Street – Currently unavailable
                    • 156 Elizabeth Street – Currently unavailable
                    • 60 Elizabeth Street – Currently unavailable
                    • Spencer Street, west of Bourke Street – Currently unavailable

                    Please note the availability is subject to change as new applications are approved. Contact enquiries@melbourne.vic.gov.au for details.

                    Utilities

                    There is no electricity, gas, water or waste water drainage connected to any of the casual street trading cylinders. 

                    Please note generators are not allowed to be used within the CBD.

                    Weather

                    ​The cylinders are located on footpaths within the CBD and are exposed to Melbourne’s weather conditions, inc;luding wind, rain, heat and cold. This needs to be considered when setting up the cylinder and your display. 

                    Please note there is the possibility that you may not be able to operate from the cylinder due to bad weather conditions. City of Melbourne does not provide alternative arrangements or compensation for loss of business due to weather conditions.

                    Cylinder dimensions

                    Diagrams of street trading cylinders from different angles and cross-sections showing the dimensions

                    View larger diagram (PDF 85 KB)


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                    Examples of street trading cylinder set-ups

                    Street trading cylinder occupied by a natural skincare trader 'Apotekah', with its products displayed on portable shelvesStreet trading cylinder selling a range of colourful clothing, shoes and jewellery.Street trading cylinder occupied by trader selling small pot plants and cacti.Street trading cylinder occupied by a professional headshot photographer. There is lighting equipment and a camera on a small table on the pavement in front of the cylinder.Street trading cylinder used by a truffle retailer, displaying products on shelves inside the cylinder.View inside a street trading cylinder fitted with shelves housing a range of food and other products in bottles, jars and boxes.Street trading cylinder occupied by a truffle retailer, with the business signage prominent on the outside of the cylinder.Street trading cylinder opposite the the town hall selling reusable coffee cups, handmade notebooks, clothing and other eco-friendly items.

                    ​How to apply for a casual street trading cylinder

                    Applicants must submit a complete application form at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the desired permit period. Applicants must provide the information asked for on the application form, as outlined below. 

                    Applications will be assessed by the panel within 30 days of the application being received. 

                    Please note, submitting an application to the City of Melbourne does not guarantee that a permit will be granted. The panel will assess the application based on the answers and information provided in the application.  

                    Application requirements

                    Applicant details

                    ​Contact name, postal address, email address and phone number.

                    Proposed locations and intended trading period

                    Location: If you are a successful applicant and your nominated location is unavailable, alternative locations may be proposed. For this reason, number your four preferred sites with one being your first preference. You do not need to number all sites, only sites that you are interested in.

                    Duration: A permit can be approved for a period of one day to six months.

                    Proposed dates: If your preferred trading period is not available, alternative dates may be proposed by Council.

                    Business proposal

                    Clearly explain your business proposal and plan (e.g. work systems, people, staff and other resources) and marketing strategy (e.g. social media, advertising, branding of goods, and decoration of the cylinder).

                    Products / services

                    Provide a statement that clearly explains your products / services. In your application you should include

                    • any advertising of your goods
                    • a list of the products / services
                    • prices you will be offering
                    • photos of the products / services. 

                    Please communicate how your products or services are of a high quality, unique and distinctive.

                    Infrastructure and equipment

                    Include the details of all infrastructure and equipment you propose to use in the cylinder (e.g. displays for goods, stools or chairs, tables and decorations), including photos or detailed drawings and measurements.

                    A high quality attractive design an engaging street presence is required.

                    The equipment may only occupy the permissible space in front of the cylinder (refer to diagram below).

                    Diagram showing the permissable space in front of the cylinder 

                    At the end of the permit period the cylinder must be left in its pre-existing condition, with all fittings and fixtures removed, and in a clean state.

                    Provide photos or detailed drawings of your equipment and show how you will set up and display your products or service.

                    Food Act requirements

                    Only low risk and pre-packaged food and drinks (Class 4) will be considered.

                    Applicants proposing to sell food and drinks must comply with the Food Act 1984.

                    For further information regarding food legislation, contact the Health and Wellbeing Branch on 03 9658 8858 or email health@melbourne.vic.gov.au.

                    Public liability insurance

                    All successful applicants are required to provide a copy of their public liability insurance for a minimum of $20 million clearly indemnifying the Council against any claims whatsoever for the entire duration of the cylinder, in order for Council to issue a permit.

                    Applicant declaration

                    ​The applicant declaration must be signed by the applicant.

                    Permit fees

                    Fees for casual street trading permits are:

                    • $100 for permits issued for one to 10 days 
                    • $200 for permits issued for 11 days up to 31 days
                    • $300 per month for permits issued for one or more months up to six months.

                    Please note that the permit fee is required to be paid in full prior to the permit and keys to the cylinder being issued. No full or partial refund of the permit fee will be made.

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