Other types of food vending

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There are other types of food vending such as vending of private land at approved community events and street stalls. 

Vending on private land (eg commercial property)

To trade in a single place and continually trade from that place will require a formal Development Approval for that land use.

Vending at approved community events, sporting events, or markets, special events

To operate at special events, you will be required to gain approval from the event organiser who is responsible for ensuring that the event has appropriate approvals for the event.  If you intend to sell food at these events, you will be required to complete a temporary food event notification form. The NSW Food Authority has adopted guidelines for food businesses operating at temporary events.

Apply for a temporary food event notification

Street stalls

Street stalls are used for selling goods and services as well as promotion in public areas. Street stalls are temporary activities limited to specific areas, days and times.

To operate a street stall in Lake Macquarie a permit is required. You will need to lodge an application under the Local Approvals Policy(PDF, 827KB).

Food vending for charities

For charitable community groups preparing food intended to be consumed immediately (for example sausage sizzle at Bunnings or on Council land) there is an exemption for notification to Council. 

Anyone who sells food at a fundraising event for community or charitable causes is not required to notify the local council (as required by food laws), if they are selling food that is thoroughly cooked and eaten immediately.

Examples of food not requiring notification include:

  • school fetes where the proceeds are donated to a charitable organisation or the school
  • a lamington drive to raise money for the victims of a natural disaster
  • selling chocolates to raise money for the Red Cross.

The requirements to provide safe food still applies, however there is no need for notification to council.  NSW Food Authority provides further information on food safety requirements for charitable, not for profit organisations.  

For further information on organisations providing or selling food for charitable purposes, please visit the NSW Food Authority.