Nashville, TN Street Vending: Vendor Permits (2026)

Street vending in Nashville is regulated by Metro Code Section 13.08.040, which generally prohibits offering merchandise for sale on or near public property with specific exceptions for permitted vendors. The Metropolitan Traffic and Parking Commission establishes regulations for sidewalk vendor permits. Sidewalk vending is prohibited within the downtown entertainment district, including Lower Broadway, to manage pedestrian flow and maintain public safety. Vendors outside prohibited areas must obtain appropriate permits from the Metro Nashville government. Each street vendor must prominently display their permit and, if selling food or beverages, their health permit. A certificate of liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million is required, with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County named as additionally insured. Food and beverage vendors must maintain a health permit from the Metro Nashville Health Department and submit equipment for inspection. The Nashville Mobile Food Vendor Pilot Program provides specific permits for food trucks and mobile food vendors, managed by the Nashville Department of Transportation. Vendors must maintain their area clean and in good repair. Nashville's growing tourism and entertainment industry has made street vendor regulation a significant policy area.