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 from time to time: hotdogs, caramelised almonds and strawberries… One day, after sending 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 with the local authorities for rules and regulations.  The article's subject is mobile vending carts, which should be removed from the street at the end of the day.

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

Considerations for the application

Before applying for a vendor license, you must decide where to sell your products in the city. Of course, there is a 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 their products. The rotation rule applies to the red zone in the city centre: You can occupy one spot for only one day. The next day, you have to move somewhere else.

You must also consider registering your business under your name or as a company. Only you can run your stand if you register your business under your name. If you want another person to help you with your business, you must register as a company and get a CVR number. If you sell food 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. You can only set a stand at parking lots for big carts from 2.5m2 and over, such as food trucks and vans. You must 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 environmentally friendly.

You will be asked to describe 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 environmental 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 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 3^rd of October and the 7^th of 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 out your application.

Street life

Making a living on the streets can be tough. After all, the Scandinavian weather is not so pleasant compared to southern European 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 Copenhagen's rough street trade environment. Since 2013, when street vendors didn’t have to pay for selling space, the number of vendors has exploded. There is 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 your hard work to have a street food stand.