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                    Handbills

                    Handbill permits are one way for businesses to promote and market themselves. Permits allow businesses to distribute printed materials such as leaflets and magazines on footpaths outside their own place of business, another business (with written authorisation) or specified railway station exits. 

                    ​​See the map of railway station exit locations (PDF 991 KB).

                    ​​​​​​Businesses may receive an infringement notice if they distribute material without a valid permit, or outside their approved permit location. ​

                    Permit conditions and fees

                    • ​Each permit allows for up to two people to distribute handbills (leaflets, brochures, placards, notices, books, pamphlets, newspapers, magazines or any other printed material) in a nominated location.
                    • From 1 July 2023, the permit fee is $100 per location, per day, when distributing handbills on footpaths outside your own place of business, or another place of business, with written authorisation.
                    • The permit fee is $100 per session to distribute handbills on footpaths outside designated railway stations. Sessions are in mornings or afternoons. 
                    • 'Do not litter' must be printed on the handbill in at least size 10 font.

                    Apply for a handbill permit​


                    Once we approve your registration, you can log in and apply for handbill permits at any of the approved locations. You’ll receive a permit immediately by email and we’ll store a copy of it on your registration.​

                    If you experience any technical difficulties with your permit application, please contact the Permits team on 03 9658 9658.​

                    What documents will I need?

                    In order to register for handbill permits with the City of Melbourne, your business will need:

                    • A certificate of currency for public liability insurance for a value of at least $20 million. Public liability insurance must be maintained for the life of the permit. To keep your insurance up to date, upload a new certificate of currency to your registration. Find out more about our public liability insurance requirements.
                    • Written authorisation (on company letterhead) from any business you wish to distribute handbills from out the front of their premises.

                    Frequently asked questions

                    Handbills

                    Why do I need to register my business to distribute handbills in the City of Melbourne?

                    The registration process allows the City of Melbourne to confirm the locations each business wishes to distribute handbills and ensure they have appropriate insurance. Once these details are registered, the business can apply for handbill permits without any intervention from the City of Melbourne.

                    My business doesn't have public liability insurance. Can I still get a permit to distribute handbills?

                    All businesses must have public liability insurance to distribute handbills on footpaths in the City of Melbourne. Their insurance must be current at the date of application, as well as each day the distribution is taking place.

                    I don’t have a computer. Do I have to apply for handbill permits online?

                    All permit applications must be submitted online. If you do not have a computer, we suggest that you use a computer at the Melbourne Town Hall or a library in order to apply.

                    How far in advance of my activity date should I register to distribute handbills?

                    We recommend businesses register at least 10 days before their intended activity date. However, some locations such as railway station exits, are very popular and may be booked up to three months in advance.

                    I am applying to distribute handbills outside a railway station. Why am I unable to find it in the list of locations on the Permits Online application page?

                    If a railway station exit does not appear in your list of locations, it is likely another business has a permit at that location for the date you have selected.

                    I am applying to distribute handbills outside my own place of business. Why am I unable to find it in the list of locations on the Permits Online application page?

                    Businesses can include their own address in the ‘Handbill Locations’ field when registering on Permits Online. The Permits team will assess the registration and, if approved, the address will appear in the business’ list of locations when applying for a permit. If the address has been approved in your registration and it still does not appear in your list of locations, it is likely another business has a permit at that location for the date you have selected.

                    A business is distributing handbills out the front of my building. How can I get a permit for my own address?

                    Businesses that are prevented from obtaining permits for distributing handbills out the front of their own address can contact the City of Melbourne to discuss this issue. If the business distributing handbills is not a tenant of that building, the City of Melbourne may cancel their permit.

                    What time can I distribute my handbills out the front of a railway station?

                    Businesses with a valid permit may distribute handbills out the front of a railway station in either a morning or afternoon session. The session times are:
                    • 7am to 11.59am every day
                    • 12pm to 7pm Saturday to Wednesday
                    • 12pm to 9pm Thursday to Friday.
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