Bethlehem, PA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)

05(A) triggers licensing once vending activity exceeds twenty-one days in a calendar year: beyond that point it is unlawful to sell food, beverages, services or merchandise on a City street, sidewalk, lane, alley, pavement, footway or right-of-way without a license. The application goes to the Community and Economic Development Department and must include the applicant's identifying information, a description of the food, beverage or flowers to be sold (Subsection B(1)(b) limits sales to only food, beverage or fresh flowers), a description and photograph of the stand or vehicle, three passport-style photos of anyone who will sell on the street, a self-generated criminal record and child-abuse check, and a $1,000,000 Certificate of Insurance naming the City as additional insured.

Carts in the Historic Districts need separate design approval from the Historic and Architectural Review Board or the Historic Conservation Commission, depending on ward. Once City Council approves, the Engineering Bureau awards the license after the vendor pays a first annual fee of $250, non-refundable, rising to $400 on renewal in the second and later years. m. m. Thursday through Saturday/Sunday unless City Council approves other hours. Vending stands must be removed daily, kept clean and quiet with no hawking, and food stands are subject to Health Officer and Fire Marshal inspection.