Mobile vending guidelines up for review

Devonport City Council Tasmania

Devonport City Council is reviewing its mobile vending guidelines and is calling for community input through an online survey at its Speak Up Devonport webpage.

Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff said Council recognises that mobile vending can add to the vibrancy of the city, especially in popular locations.

Cr Rockliff said Council wanted to ensure the current guidelines are working effectively for not only mobile vendors but to their customers and also fixed food operators near the approved locations.

“Devonport has embraced the street eats culture for some time and we are seeing more and more mobile food vendors popping up around our city,” Cr Rockliff said.

“It’s time for Council to review these guidelines and we want to hear from our community to see what is working, what isn’t working and how we can continue to create a good experience for customers and vendors.”

Cr Rockliff said Devonport’s pre-approved locations for mobile vendors included the Bluff, Victoria Parade, Coles Beach, East Devonport and Don precincts.

She said the exact locations within these precincts are listed in the Mobile Vending Guidelines.

“Council introduced an online booking system for mobile vendors two years ago, which has proven successful and offers a fast and easy application process,” Cr Rockliff said.

“One of the keys to this community consultation is to find out what people think of the current guidelines and the booking process. Council is always looking at ways to improve their services and it’s important to seek community feedback for future planning.”

Cr Rockliff said the current guidelines state that mobile vending is an individual, organisation or business selling or offering goods for sale (including food) from a mobile vehicle (for example a food van, food truck, coffee van, ice cream truck) on a public street, reserve or carpark.

She said while mobile vending is a popular option, Council recognises the importance of managing the competing needs and interests of local business, residents, consumers and users of the facilities.

“The booking system enables all vendors to have fair and equitable access to their preferred location/s and that one operator does not monopolise a particular location,” Cr Rockliff said.

“If it is found that vendors are making bookings that are not used preventing other vendors from being able to book locations, then Council reserves the right to cancel the Mobile Vending Permit.”

The Devonport Mobile Vending Guidelines feedback survey is available via Council’s Speak Up Devonport webpage at https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/council/get-involved/speak-up-devonport/

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