Bristol, CT Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Bristol's peddler ordinance, Chapter 17, defines a 'peddler' or 'hawker' in Sec. 17-16(a) as anyone who goes place to place or occupies a public place, sidewalk, street or private property to sell food, meats, fish, fruits, flowers or other goods 'either on foot, by pushcart, stand, motor vehicle or from any other type of conveyance,' language that squarely covers a food truck or trailer. Sec. 17-31 makes it unlawful to engage in the peddling business within city limits without first obtaining a permit and license from the police department, and Sec.

17-32 requires a sworn application listing the vendor's name and address, a description of the business and goods, vehicle information, a passport-style photo, and any prior criminal or ordinance convictions. Under Sec. 17-33, the chief of police investigates the applicant's business and moral character, and if the vendor sells food or beverages the application also goes to the director of health; a fifteen-dollar investigation fee applies. Sec. 17-34(a) sets the peddler license fee at $185 per year, not prorated for a shorter term, while Sec.

17-23 requires the vendor to carry comprehensive general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, plus commercial automobile liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 if a vehicle dispenses the product, naming the city as an additional insured and filed with the comptroller's office. A food vendor must also separately apply to the Bristol-Burlington Health District for a food service certificate under Sec. 17-32(c). The license and a badge under Sec. 17-35 must be displayed at all times per Sec. 17-37, and the chief of police can revoke it after notice and hearing under Sec. 17-38 for fraud, misrepresentation or unlawful operation, with an appeal right to the city council under Sec. 17-39.