Handbills or flyers are a great way to promote your business. You can literally get your business details into the hands of your potential customers.
All businesses need a City of Melbourne permit before distributing handbills, leaflet, brochure, place-card, notice, book, pamphlet, free newspaper/magazine or other printed material distributed by hand within the municipal boundaries.
Anyone may distribute handbills provided they have a valid permit.
The handbill permit fee is $10 per location, per day, per session.
You will be liable for a penalty if you distribute handbills, leaflets or brochures without a permit, or following the expiry of a valid permit.
A permit allows for up to two people per location.
Litter warning
One of the following messages must be printed on the handbill in a way that is immediately visible:
- Please Dispose Of This Handbill By Placing In A Litter Bin
- Do Not Litter
Where you can distribute
Permits may be issued:
- to a business distributing outside their own place or business
- to a business distributing outside another place of business, with written authorisation (on company letterhead)
- at the specified railway stations exits– see Handbill Rail Station Locations map (PDF, 809kb)
Please note:
You can only distribute in the Bourke Street Mall if your business fronts the mall.
Distribution of handbills is not permitted outside the GPO building on Bourke Street Mall, Elizabeth Street and Little Bourke Street.
The owners of Southern Cross Station reserve the right to relocate any person who is distributing on their property.
For more information on railway locations and full terms and conditions please see the Handbill Permit Application Form directly below.
Handbill Permit Application (PDF, 710kb)
Handbill Permit Application (text only, 60kb – please only use this version if you are unable to access the PDF)