Vendor Licensing

Vendor Licensing

The Vendor Licensing By-law 09-2025 establishes a framework for licensing and regulating vendors operating within the Town of Pelham. This ensures the protection and promotion of public safety, consumer interests, and economic well-being. Below, you will find details about vendor licensing requirements and procedures.

Who needs a licence?

Travelling Vendor: A Travelling Vendor is defined as any individual or business that:

• Travels from place to place to conduct their trade,
• Operates temporarily at a specific location, or
• Participates in Special Events to sell goods or services.

If you are a Travelling Vendor operating on public or private property within the Town of Pelham, you are required to obtain a vendor licence unless you qualify for an exemption (see below).

Types of Licences Available:

1. Annual Vendor Licence
• Ideal for vendors who plan to operate continuously throughout the year.
• Valid from the date of issuance until the end of the calendar year.
2. Limited Vendor Licence
• Designed for vendors attending Special Events or Town Special Events exclusively.
• For private events outside of Town Special Events, this licence applies to a duration of five (5) or fewer consecutive days.
• For Town Special Events, such as the Farmer’s Market, Summer Chill Series, Summerfest, Canada Day, and the Christmas Market, the Limited Licence covers the entire event duration.

Exemptions

The By-law does not apply to:

1. Vendors selling non-food items (subject to Town approval for event participation)
2. Vendors offering products grown, raised, or manufactured as part of an Agricultural Operation at the Pelham Farmer's Market.
3. Vendors selling food products not intended for immediate consumption, such as cheese, maple syrup, jams, and jellies.

Licensing Requirements

Application Process

• Submit the Vendor Application at least 30 days before operations begin. 
• Include all required documents and non-refundable fees as per the Town’s Fees and Charges By-law.
• Await approval from the Clerk's office after a compliance review.

General Vendors Require:

• Completed application form.
• Licence fee:
  • Annual Vendor (January 1-December 31): $250.00
  • Limited Vendor (one event): $25.00
• Proof of general liability insurance ($2,000,000 minimum).
• Written permissions, if operating on private or public property not owned by the vendor.

In Addition, Food Vendors Require:

• Safety Standard Certificate (if applicable).
• Technical Standards and Safety Authority certificate (if applicable).
• Public Health and Fire Department approvals.
• Liability insurance ($3,000,000 minimum).

Check back soon for our easy to use Special Event Permit and Vendor Licensing Guide!

Compliance and Enforcement

Vendors must adhere to all By-law requirements and applicable laws. Non-compliance may result in fines, penalties, or licence suspension/revocation.

For full details, refer to the official Vendor Licensing By-law 09-2025

Administration

The Clerk’s Office oversees the issuance of Vendor Licensing.