Street Activity Policy 2011
Elements of street trading and other street activities can add to the richness of a vibrant street environment and contribute to the city’s amenity and experience for city users.
The benefits of a thriving street life are evident in the City of Melbourne and, in many respects, define the city, providing a connection to its spaces. The range of activities occurring within these spaces can diversify people’s experiences as they move through our city.
Examples of activities include street performances and busking, casual and seasonal street trading, markets, horse-drawn carriages, street kiosks and food vans.
An extensive review of street trading, busking and other street activities involving community engagement culminated in the development of City of Melbourne’s Street Activity Policy 2011.
On Tuesday 12 April 2011, the Draft Street Activity Policy 2011 and supporting policy operating statements for activities such as busking were considered and approved by the Council’s Future Melbourne Committee, and resolved that the Policy will become effective from 1 July 2011.
View the Street Activity Policy:
Street Activity Policy 2011 (PDF, 621kb) 
Street Activity Policy 2011 (text, 60kb)
Read the Street Activity Policy and minutes from the Future Melbourne Committee Meeting.
Read the Media Release.
What is street trading?
Street trading is the activity of selling goods and services in the public place. A permit is required for conducting street trading in the public place anywhere within the City of Melbourne. Applications for street trading in the public place are guided by the Street Activity Policy 2011.
There are eight key principles that are designed to help create and manage street trading activities within the municipality. The principles are consistent with Council’s vision for Melbourne as a bold, inspirational and sustainable city.
People who wish to apply for a street trading permit must ensure their proposed activity is aligned to these principles and the appropriate selection criteria for each activity.
Types of street trading
Long term street trading - find out more.
Short term street trading - find out more.