Special Event Refreshment Vehicle and Food Shop Licence

A license is required to sell food at Special Events. To do so, you must obtain a Special Event Refreshment Vehicle or Food Shop Licence for each event from the Town of Oakville.

A business licence is required to sell food and refreshments at special events. The type of licence you will require depends on the business you operate. 

A special event includes, but is not limited to, a community event such as an outdoor festival, exhibition, or tournament or a private function where food and/or beverages are provided for sale, for no longer than three consecutive days. 

A special event refreshment vehicle and food shop licence is valid for one special event only. You must re-apply for the licence for all additional events.

Please see below for instructions on how to apply for a special event refreshment vehicle and/or food shop licence

Apply for a special event refreshment vehicle and/or food shop licence

Refreshment vehicle business licence application requirements:

  • Certificate of Insurance. A Certificate of Public Liability Insurance in the amount of at least two million dollars ($2,000,000). The Town of Oakville and address must appear on the certificate as a “Certificate Holder” in order to provide the town at least 30 days’ notice in writing prior to cancellation, expiration or change of policy
  • Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check. We accept a CRJMC online from an accredited police service. The CRJMC must be no older than 30 days.
  • Halton Health Department approval
    • Refreshment vehicles need to submit a copy of the Food Safety Inspection Report issued by Halton Region.
    • Special event refreshment vehicles may submit proof that Halton Region has been informed of their attendance at the event.
  • Vehicle Safety Standards Certificate (if applicable)
  • Vehicle insurance (if applicable)
  • Vehicle ownership (if applicable)
  • Propane inspection (if applicable)
  • Payment of required licensing fee. For current fees, review the Business Licence Application Fees (pdf) document. 

Special event food shop business licence application requirements:

  • Certificate of Insurance. A Certificate of Public Liability Insurance in the amount of at least two million dollars ($2,000,000). The Town of Oakville and address must appear on the certificate as a “Certificate Holder” in order to provide the town at least 30 days’ notice in writing prior to cancellation, expiration or change of policy
  • Halton Health Department approval
  • Payment of required licensing fee. For current fees, review the Business Licence Application Fees (pdf) document. 

Submission standards

Help us process your application faster by submitting your documents in the following format:

  • Save files in a PDF format.
  • Organize documents as separate files. Document types can contain multiple pages, such as drawings or floor plans relating to the same file.
  • Name your files appropriately, i.e. AMCE Articles of Incorporation.pdf   This saves significant time in processing your application.
  • All files should be easy to read. Double check to make sure scanned documents aren't dark, blurry or cut off.
  • Ensure all required documentation is added to your application submission or your application will be delayed.
  • Resubmissions: In the event you are asked to resubmit materials, please only submit those files that are requested. Do not resubmit the entire application package unless asked to do so.

Submit your application online

You can now submit your business licence application online. Use Chrome or Safari for the best experience.

If this is your first time using the town’s online services, you will need to create an account by setting up a username and password. Select sign in and then select the option to sign up. If you already have a town account, you may be able to use your username and password which you previously created.


Application fees

For current fees, please review the Business Licence Application Fees (pdf).

Please note that fees are non-refundable and not transferable.

Please contact service@oakville.ca should you require assistance.

What you can expect after submission

Your application will be reviewed to ensure all required information has been provided. Should your application be incomplete, you will be notified via email. Your application will not proceed until all required documents and payment are received. 

It may take up to 10 business days for you to receive your licence. Once your application is approved, you will be notified by email with instructions to log into your town account to obtain a copy of your business licence.

Contact

ServiceOakville
905-845-6601

service@oakville.ca