Travel from Perth to Sydney on a coffee car

Chemodiver

Hi, everyone!

Can anybody advise me if it's allowed to trade from mobile vendors in caravan parks? I've got a coffee car and thinking about to travel from Perth to Sydney and back on my vehicle: https://www.facebook.com/MagicKickCoffee/?ref=bookmarks. However, I don't know where I can trade legally on my way, On roads? In caravan parks? Would appreciate any reasonable advice.

Cheers!

FreshCoffee2

Hi there. I think it depends on the state or perhaps even the local councils you happen to be travelling through, there are likely to be differing rules depending on which one you happen to be in at any particular time. One rule that may be common enough, is there will be a certain minimum distance from any "stationary" coffee selling businesses, inside of which you cannot trade (and / or, lets say that at bare minimum it's considered pretty poor form to pull up outside of or close to a cafe, and start selling coffee out of your mobile set up. Additionally you may require a "hawkers" licence appropriate to the shire you are in, and presumably the health department rules governing the set up inside your mobile will vary. Other than that, I can't give you any specifics at all...other than to mention that the safest bets would probably be to sell from deserted highway lay bys (ie where there are no traders) and where you are least likely to upset anyone. Good luck.

mycuppa

As per FC's post above - I think you better pick up the phone and call your local Council EHO and for heaven's sake, please don't attempt to research this topic via google - there is old, outdated, obsolete and plain wrong information everywhere. What you are dealing with here is serious and the consequences of non-compliance are quite serious - you get fined, your stock or equipment may get confiscated if there are repeat offenses, etc. and you may end up having to attend court. In essence, there is a general sentiment against random street trading by authorities. You need a plan and to notify relevant authorities beforehand to seek permission. It's not easy and I would hazard a guess that it's literally impractical to do this by roaming around if you intend to follow the laws and procedures. Generally speaking, the rules have become more standardized across the state regions, e.g. within a state. Up until a few years ago, Councils undertook their own interpretations of the State Food Safety laws and managing compliance locally.  This meant that mobile operators would sometimes need to apply for and maintain multiple permits if they roamed around for events, etc. Now at least in the state of VIC, a single permit can be recognized across in any of the VIC councils. The first step is look at the Dept of Health Streetrader site. You may wish to take a seat because the fees are quite significant (up to $1900 for a calendar year). This may vary from state to state. You will need to ensure you are trained in Food Safety practices and your mobile vehicle is food safety compliant - depending upon what you may be offering from the vehicle, it may involve additional features that your vehicle will need such as hot water or sanitizing systems for cleaning hands, utensils, etc. so that it may pass a council EHO inspection. When you have a compliant vehicle then you are then required to issue a Statement of Trade 5 days before you operate. This gives the local body enough notice to spring a random inspection whilst you are trading to ensure compliance - if they feel the need to do so. Most councils require a Roadside Trading Permit because they own the land and they are liable if there is a risk of personal injury, such as a car accident caused by someone pulling over to stop at your roadside van. It also ensure that issues like rubbish, etc. are cleaned up during and afterwards (which is important ! - you might get a $300 cleanup bill if they have to send out a contractor). In many cases, the councils tend to decline most applications on the grounds that the roads are too dangerous - so you would need to think ahead by identifying areas that have easy access in and out for patrons - like a Rest Area, etc. It's also important to note that councils don't own all the land. You may find vast stretches of private, state or heritage (indigenous) areas. As per FC's comments - if a local business gets wind of you trading nearby, they will call the Police immediately rather than the council.......because they will act faster. Selling cups of coffee is cut-throat in Australia now.....people protect their turf !