We license food vendors operating within the Municipality to support public health, safety, and appropriate land use. Food vendors operating on private property for 5 days or less as part of a special event do not require a municipal licence. 

Quick Links 

Do I Need a Food Vendor Licence? 

Use the table below to find your answer quickly. 

Where are you operating? How long are you operating? Licence required? 

Seasonal municipal location 

Seasonal 

Yes + municipal land use agreement 

Municipal property (any event) 

Any length of time 

Yes 

Private property 

1–5 days (special event) 

No 

Private property 

More than 5 consecutive days 

Yes 

 

Licence Types 

 Special Events on Municipal Property 

A refreshment vendor licence is required for food vendors operating at any festival, market, or special event on municipal property. 

This includes: 

  • Festivals and markets 

  • Community events 

  • Private or ticketed events held on municipal land 

Application timelines:

  • Already licensed in another municipality: apply at least 7 business days before the event 

  • Not licensed elsewhere: apply at least 10 business days before the event 
 Seasonal Municipal Property 

A refreshment vendor licence and a Municipal Land Use Agreement are required. The Municipality provides a limited number of designated seasonal vendor locations on municipal property, and vendors may operate from May to October, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Seasonal Locations 

Up to three (3) locations are available each season:

  • Fred Raper Park 

  • Harbour 

  • Blue Dolphin Pool 

Lottery Process 

  • Applications for municipal locations must be submitted before March 1 to be included in the lottery 

Fees and Agreements 

  • Applicable vendor licence fee 

  • $375 land use fee (included in the seasonal licence rates)  

  • Municipal Use Agreement required before operating 
 Private Property (More Than 5 Consecutive Days) 

A refreshment vendor licence is required when operating on private property for more than 5 consecutive days. 

Requirements:

  • Property must be in an eligible zone 
    (Eligible: C1, C2, C3, RT, UAW; Conditional with farm produce outlet: A, SA, RU) 

  • Detailed site plan 

  • Valid Health Unit food premises permit 

  • Fire inspection (if applicable) 

  • Insurance naming the Municipality as additional insured 

Vendor Classes & Fees 

Licence Type ClassNew FeeRenewal FeeEvent Fees

Private Property (More Than 5 Consecutive Days) 

  

Class A – Motorized Food Sales 

$510 

$306 

Not applicable 

Class B – Non‑Motorized Food Sales 

$306 

$204 

Not applicable 

Seasonal Municipal Property (Fees include $375 land use fee) 

  

Class A – Motorized Food Sales 

$885 

$681 

Not applicable 

Class B – Non‑Motorized Food Sales 

$681 

$579 

Not applicable 

Special Events on Municipal Property

  

Not‑for‑profit or licensed in another municipality 

One‑time event: $65 

— 

Additional event: $32.50 

Not licensed elsewhere 

One‑time event: $100 

— 

Additional event: $50 

Interactive Zoning Map

Use the interactive map below to explore zoning regulations and approved vendor locations within the Municipality of Meaford.

Apply 

Follow the instructions on the below forms. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please reach out to bylaw@meaford.ca or call 519-538-1060 ext. 1610. 

Seasonal Municipal Property - Refreshment Vendor Licence Application 

Special Events  - Refreshment Vendor Licence Application 

Private Property  - Refreshment Vendor Licence Application 

Vendor Resources

phone iconContact Us