October 2018

We are not only doing accounting

We are hunting for tax deductions

The purpose of this blog is to provide a reliable source of business, tax, and accounting information. English is chosen language to ensure coverage for Danish and non-Danish readers. 

Fancy a street vendor business? Here are the rules

October, 2018.


You see them everywhere: on the high streets, at the City Hall, and around tourist attractions… You enjoy them time to time: hotdogs, caramelised almonds and strawberries… One day, after sending the job application number 101 without landing a job, you might think: Why not…start a street vendor business?

The scope of this article is only for the city of Copenhagen; if you live outside of the city, you should check the local authority for rules and regulations.  The subject of the article is mobile vending cart, which should be removed from the street at the end of the day.

 

Assume that you have been thinking about what you are going to sell and how to finance your venture. Now you are ready to take the plunge.


Considerations for the application

Before you apply for a vendor licence, you have to decide where you want to sell your products in the city. Of course there is high demand for vending at the popular walking street areas and tourist attractions, so the city wants to regulate the number of street vendors and the products on offer. The red zone in the city centre is where the rotation rule applies: You are allowed to occupy only one day at one spot. The next day you have to move to somewhere else.

Source: The city of Copenhagen

You also have to consider registering your business under your own name or as a company. If you register your business under your name, only you can run your stand. If you want another person to help you with your business, then you have to register as a company and get a CVR number. If you are going to sell foods and drinks, you should check the rules at the Food Control Authority (Fødevarestyrrelsen).  Generally, if you have access to a toilet nearby and water for handwashing, then you are safe to run your business.


The size and design of your vending cart are important. Different rules apply for different sizes of carts:  For a small mobile cart below 2.5m2, you can set a stand at public squares and on pavements. For big carts from 2.5m2 and over such as food trucks and vans, you can only set a stand at parking lots. You will be required to submit a photo or sketch of your vending cart. Keep in mind that you are in a design country; your vending cart should be stylish, but also clean, practical and environment friendly.


You will be asked to provide a description of your business, which is also your selling point to the authority. In the race for a good place, you should impress them with how unique your products are, or how environment friendly your vending cart is. Here, Hygge is key. Your vending cart is not alone yours; it should be placed in the landscape picture of Copenhagen, better to blend in than stick out.


Applying for a vendor license

Every month on the first Wednesday, the City organises a meeting for street vendors at Njalsgade 13, 2300 København S. At the meeting you will get information for the coming season, rules and regulations. The next information meeting is on the 3rd October and the 7th November 2018. Read more about it Here (in Danish).


You can apply directly online. Depending on where you want to stand, you can apply for a place in the city walking zone Here (in Danish), or in the public area Here (in English). It would be very helpful to have a Danish speaking person when you fill your application.


Street life

Make a living on the streets can be tough. After all, the Scandinavian weather is not so pleasant in comparison to southern Europe climates. What I want to mention here is the competition in the market, possible extortion and criminality may be experienced.


Just one month ago, the local media reported news about the rough street trade environment in Copenhagen. Since year 2013, when street vendors don’t have to pay for selling space, the number of vendors has exploded. There are news about criminals moving into the market, and in competition for a good place, violence and weapons have been used. Read one of the articles Here (in Danish).


No pain, no gain. So good luck to you, brave soul! We will buy your caramelised almonds, pancakes, and coffee on the go, for all the hard work you make in order to have a street food stand.