Mobile Food & Drink Operations

Mobile Food & Drink Vendor Requirements:

Health Department Licensing/Permits Required: All Mobile Food & Drink Vendors must obtain the proper licensing and permits from the Peoria City/County Health Department before operating in the City of Peoria.

Visit: Peoria City/County Health Department Website,  Email Peoria City/County Health Department, or call 309.679.6161 for more information.

NOTE: If you are a temporary event vendor or a vendor participating only in events, you must apply for a Temporary Food Event License for the event you are participating in and submit a completed Event Coordinator Sheet to the Health Department!!

Peoria Fire Department Permit Required: All Mobile Food & Drink Vendors must schedule an inspection and obtain a Mobile Food & Drink Operations Fire Permit from the City of Peoria Fire Department before operating in the City of Peoria.

Call 309.494.8700 to schedule your inspection.

City of Peoria Municipal Food/Beverage Tax:

The City of Peoria has imposed a municipal restaurant tax that is collected at the rate of 2%, and paid by business owners/operators, serving and/or preparing food items and beverages for purchase. This tax is collected and remitted directly to the City of Peoria.  

More information regarding the City's Municipal Tax can be found here.

Mobile Food & Drink Vendor Restrictions

The City of Peoria has restrictions on the locations where Mobile Food & Drink Vendors can operate. These restrictions apply to all Mobile Food & Drink Vendors.

Restrictions:

• Hours of Operation: Vendors operating outside of the downtown business district are limited to 7:00 AM - 11:59 PM. (Licensed downtown business district vendors do not have a time restriction.)
• Vendors cannot set up adjacent to any bus stop, taxi stand, or handicap loading zone. 
• Vendors cannot set up within 30 feet of an intersection.
• Vendors cannot set up directly in front of an entryway.
• Vendors cannot operate within or bordering any residential areas. 
• Vendors cannot park in any right-of-way without first obtaining a permit from the City of Peoria and having their location approved.
• Pedestrian walkways of no less than four (4) feet must be maintained on public sidewalks or where the mobile food vendor is operating.
• Vendors cannot operate in a location that is within 300 feet of an operating food establishment. (Can be waived if the vendor has written consent from the adjacent food establishment, or if the adjacent food establishment is operated by the same vendor.)
• Vendors cannot operate within 500 feet of any fair, carnival, circus, festival, special event, or civic event that is licensed or sanctioned by the city, unless they are a registered vendor.
• Vendors cannot operate within 500 feet of a primary, middle, or secondary school or school playground when school is in session or at any time when school activities are taking place.
• Vendors operating tents, stands, sidewalk stations, or pushcarts shall not leave their operation unattended..
• The City issues 3 Downtown Mobile Food/Drink Truck Licenses annually to assigned locations on Hamilton Blvd or SW Adams St. near the Courthouse. No other right-of-way locations are authorized in the downtown area.(No cap on permits issued outside the downtown area) (See Right-Of-Way License Below)
• The City issues up to 23 Downtown Pushcart Licenses annually to assigned locations in the downtown area. No other right-of-way locations are authorized in the downtown area. (No cap on permits issued outside the downtown area) (See Right-Of-Way License Below)
• Vendors are not allowed to set up operations in Fulton Plaza.

The full list of Restrictions for Mobile Food & Drink Vendors can be found in the City Ordinance Sec. 18-658.-Restrictions.

Right-Of-Way License

Determine if you need a Right-Of-Way License from the City:

I want to be Downtown: YES!  You will require a license from the City of Peoria Office of Accounts Receivable. 

I plan on operating in a Public Right-Of-Way: YES!  You will require a license from the City of Peoria Office of Accounts Receivable.

I will only be in parking lots: NO! A license is not required if you are on private commercial property; HOWEVER, you must have the permission of the property owner.

I will only be participating in The Riverfront Market, Festivals, and/or Events: NO! A license is not required if you are participating in an event or festival, or only operating at the Riverfront Market. HOWEVER, you must be a registered vendor with the festival, event, or market!

I answered YES! What do I need to apply?

• A Completed Mobile Food Vehicle Application 
• A Completed City Tax Application
• A Sample Menu of what you plan to serve
• Mobile Food/Drink Vehicle Description / License, and Registration for the vehicle
• Vehicle Make, Model, and License Plate Number
• Photos or a detailed diagram of all 4 sides of the setup
• Copy of your issued Food License from the Health Department
• Copy of your issued permit from the Peoria Fire Department
• Property Owner Consent Form (if applicable)
• Certificate of Liability Insurance and Bond with City of Peoria listed as Additional Insured

How much does it cost? FREE FOR 2025!!!                                                          

When does my issued permit expire? December 31st, and must be renewed annually. 

Temporary Mobile Food & Drink Vendors

If you are a vendor that operates 1-2 times in the City of Peoria or for just certain events, you would be considered a Temporary Vendor.  

Temporary Vendors must follow the restrictions and requirements as outlined above. 

NOTE: If you are a temporary event vendor or a vendor participating only in events, you must apply for a Temporary Food Event License for the event you are participating in and submit a completed Event Coordinator Sheet to the Peoria County Health Department!!

Taxes for food and beverage sales within the city limits should be remitted using our Event Vendor Municipal Tax Return