Register a mobile or temporary food business

What type of business do I have to register?

Your business may be a market stall, tent, food van, vending machine, or you may be a private water carter who transports and sells water intended for human consumption.

Use the StrEATrader website to:

• register applications
• lodge notifications
• advise any Victorian council that you will be trading in its municipality
• manage your business details
• pay fees.

Do I need to register across multiple councils?

You only need register in one Council. Nominate your principal council through StrEATrader, that is the location where:

• you prepare food before trading, or
• store food before trading.

If you do not store or prepare food, it is the location where:

• you store equipment for your stall or tent, or
• you store your vehicle.

Community groups

The Department of Health and Human Services provides details on food safety obligations for community groups

Note: a Food Safety Supervisor will not be required for a community group if:

• the majority of people involved in the handling of the food are volunteers
• the activity takes place at the premise for a maximum of 2 consecutive days at any time.

Complete a statement of trade (SOT)

Complete your statement of trade on the StrEATrader website. 

A SOT is not a registration. A SOT lets all relevant councils know when you will be operating your temporary or mobile food premises and food vending machines or water transport vehicle in their district, and where.

You should allow 21 days for the notification to be processed. You cannot trade until your premises has been registered/notified.

When is a SOT not required?

You do not need to lodge a SOT if you are operating:

• a temporary or mobile premises and are catering at a function or location that is not open to members of the public (such as catering for a wedding reception, work function or members dinner)
• Class 4 food vending machines.

Which other laws apply?

Lodging a SOT ensures that you have complied with the Food Act. Make sure you are aware of other laws that may apply to your trading.

For example, you may need:

• permission from a council to operate on public land
• planning approval from council if you will be trading in a street
• permission from the land owner if you intend to operate on private land
• other required licences – such as a liquor licence.

Record keeping for temporary food events

Most temporary events require a record of the event being held.

Read more about keeping food safety records.