Mobile kitchens, boutiques-on-wheels, fruit carts and vegetable trolleys will soon become regular fixtures on the streets of Qatar as the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has launched an initiative to encourage street vending.
The project, a part of the government’s broader approach to create more opportunities in the non-oil sector, has outlined the regulations under which the vending permits can be obtained by anyone residing in Qatar.
According to an MEC statement released on Saturday, the government is planning to green-light two types of pods ” a mobile traction cart and a stationary cabin that is towed around by a motorised vehicle.
The MEC regulation envisages that the carts be constantly on the move to deliver their products or services in different places. MEC said if the carts are on a particular street, they should ideally leave a distance of at least 20 metres from the next cart or other vehicles.
If there are more than one cart on the same side of the street, the statement added, separate permits will be required for each of them.
The ministry said the dimensions of the pods should not exceed 2 metres in length and 1.5 metres in width.
Moreover, the carts must obtain approval from competent authorities before settling in any particular location and should not obstruct the traffic or access to public parking.
Street vending, however, will not be allowed on main or busy streets, at intersections, entrances of schools, hospitals, mosques and other places determined by the ministry.
Hot, canned and refrigerated food items, beverages, crafts and general merchandise will be permitted to be sold through these carts, besides household services.
According to the statement, certificates of good conduct, health and sponsorship agreement are prerequisites for the street-vending licence.
It said additional requirements may be applicable depending on the type of vending activity.
As part of the efforts to support entrepreneurs, the ministry has sought to provide a range of advice to investors in the hawking sector.
Apply for a Street Vendor License (Ministry of Commerce and Industry)
- Topics :Â Business and Finance, Visas and Official Documents
- Audience :Â Business
Local investors may submit a request online to the Commercial Registration and Licensing Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) to apply for a street vendor license.
Online Instructions
- Login to the Investor Services, entering the username and password.
- Select “Commercial Licenses” service, and then “Application for a street vendor license”.
- Enter all the required data, and attach the following documents:
- A letter of no objection from the employer in case the street vendor was a foreigner
- Certificate of criminal status (good conduct)
- A health certificate proving that he/she is free of diseases
- Third party approvals on some commercial activities
- A copy of identification documents (for the street vendor – the applicant)
- Pay appropriate fees to apply for a street vendor license.
Offline Instructions
- Download and fill out the paper form, then get it signed by the authorized signatory.
- Attach the above-mentioned, required documents, and submit them along with the signed application form, to the public service officer at MOCI or any of its branches.
Service Center
- MOCI headquarters in Lusail City – First Floor (Check Google Maps)
- All MOCI branches clarified on MOCI website
Fees
Fees vary according to business activity.
Additional Information
You can check the service information page on MOCI website.
