Mobile Food Vendors
A Mobile Food Vendor (MFV) is a business that sells food from a cart, trailer, tent, vehicle, or similar. This includes caterers, canteens, or similar who prep food off-site and serve at an outdoor special event or gathering.
Contact the SC Dept. of Agriculture to ensure you are compliant with SCDA mobile food vendor requirements.
A Mobile Food Vendor (MFV) operating in the City of Charleston requires:
The MFV permit must be applied for through the city's Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal.
The Fire Marshal's Office oversees the Mobile Food Vendor program and maintains an approved list of vendors.
Visit the Mobile Food Vendor page for more information.
Where can Mobile Food Vendors vend?
Mobile Food Vendors (MFVs) are not permitted to vend in the public right-of-way in the City of Charleston limits. Please see below for vending options and their requirements.
Private Property
Mobile Food Vendors are permitted to vend on private property with a letter of approval from the property owner. MFVs must have a valid City of Charleston Business License, MFV permit & decal, private property approval letter, and any other necessary documentation on them at all times.
Special Events
A Special Event vendor is a vendor who sets up a booth or occupies a specific area at a special event, such as, but not limited to, a festival, parade, or exposition to sell goods and services at that special event. Mobile Food Vendors must have a valid City of Charleston Business License, MFV permit & decal, and any other necessary documentation on them at all times.
City of Charleston - Food Truck Fridays
The City of Charleston hosts rotating mobile food vendors for "Food Truck Fridays". If you are interested in participating and have a current Mobile Food Vendor permit, please visit our Food Truck Friday webpage to learn more!
Mobile Food Cart - Downtown Vendor
Vending from the public right-of-way is permitted in 10 designated spaces within the City of Charleston. Visit the Downtown Mobile Food Vendor Spots for a list of first-come first-serve locations. Vendors are required to comply with all provisions of Article V of Chapter 17 regulating the vending from the public right-of-way and are required to be licensed.
- MFVs are permitted to sell food or drink from stationary vehicles, carts, or devices placed entirely within the designated spaces. Food trucks and trailers are not permitted in these spaces.
- Licensed MFVs are allowed to vend from non-franchised locations during the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. These spaces are available on a first-come first-served basis and are not guaranteed.
- Requirements:
- Valid City of Charleston Business License & Mobile Food Vendor Permit.
- Certificate of liability insurance listing the City of Charleston as additionally insured.
- Contact the city's Legal Department at (843) 724-3730 to notify them of the location(s) you're interested in occupying and to submit your certificate of insurance.