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Apply for a trading licence

In most situations, you need a Council trading licence if you want to sell something in a public place.

Coffee cart by French Kiss Cafe trading at Post Office Square.
French Kiss Cafe trading at Post Office Square

Check the information below on where and what you can trade, and how to apply for approval or a licence.

Council policy

The rules for trading in public places for commercial are set out in the Trading and Events in Public Places Policy.

Where you can trade

Private property

Trading from a private property is preferable, as long as you first have the property owner's permission and there are no adverse safety or traffic impacts.

Public property

You can apply to trade at public places such as on road reserves, footpaths, parks and sportsgrounds.

The Council will consider applications to sell goods and services from specific locations based on these factors:

  • safety for pedestrians
  • nature of the goods to be sold
  • impact on the neighbouring properties
  • layout of the proposed location.

What you can trade

You will need to apply for a trading licence for any of these trading activities:

Food

You also need to apply for a Certificate of Registration if you want to prepare or sell food from any private or public property anywhere in Wellington. For help with your registration, contact the Public Health Team.

Charity stalls

If you want to run a not-for-profit charity stall on a public footpath, then you need to get approval from the Street Activities Coordinator. Charity stalls are typically only approved in:

  • Cuba Mall
  • Wellington suburbs.

Apply for a trading licence

If you want to propose a new trading activity in a public place, contact the Street Activities Coordinator to discuss your proposal.

Contact us

Street Activities Coordinator

Phone: 04 499 4444

Email: streetactivities@wcc.govt.nz