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Home / Quicklinks / Special Events and Vending Permits

Special Events and Vending Permits

Welcome to the City of Bethlehem Special Events/Vendor Permit Application Process!

The City of Bethlehem hosts hundreds of special events each year.  Additionally, many vendors participate in these events by providing goods and services.

In order to provide permits for events and vending in the most efficient manner, we have built an on-line applicational portal.

Please review the information below, then click here to begin your application.
 
Special Event Information
 
TIMELINES:
Pay special attention to the timelines that are required to review and approve your application. Applications require the review of several city departments, which you will see in your application. In order to complete and coordinate the review and approval, be sure to submit your completed application within the timelines stated.
 
  • A standard Special Event application must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the proposed event. 
  • Please note that if any City personnel or support services will be required at your event, the application must be submitted a minimum of 60 days prior to the proposed event.
  • If the event needs a Use Permit because it will take place on public property and will last 3 or more days and/or involve alcohol,  the application must be submitted  a minimum of 60 days prior to the proposed event as it requires approval of City Council.

FEES:
  • The fee for a Special Events application is $100.
  • If the event encroaches on public property, the Engineering Bureau will determine if a $100 Right of Way fee may be required.
  • If the event will take place on public property and will last more than 3 days and/or involve alcohol, a $50 Use Permit fee will be required.
 
  • Additional post event fees may be assessed for the use of public safety personnel (police, fire, EMS), use of city electricity, use of city water, use of traffic resources, the need for a fire permit or tent permit.
  • Any fees pertaining to your specific request will be explained in your application.

WHAT YOU MAY NEED FOR YOUR APPLICATION:
  • You will be required to submit specific details about your event including location, dates and times, type of event, etc.
  • You will need a detailed site map.  Examples are provided in the application.
  • You may need insurance.  Directions are provided in the application.
  • You may need a City of Bethlehem Business Privilege License.
  • If you have alcohol at your event, you will need to obtain either a liquor liability insurance policy, a special event liability insurance policy including host liquor liability insurance coverage, or a general liability policy including host liquor liability coverage that satisfies coverage limits specified by the City.  You will also need authorization from the State Liquor Control Board (PLCB).
  • If vendors are participating in your event, you will need to provide a list of vendors.
 
SUPPORT:
  • If you have any questions or need assistance, please email our events staff or call 610-997-7618.
 
Vending Permit Information
 
TIMELINES:
Pay special attention to the timelines that are required to review and approve your application. Applications require the review of several city departments, which you will see in your application. In order to complete and coordinate the review and approval, be sure to submit your completed application within the timelines stated.
 
  • A vendor permit application must be submitted a minimum of 14 days prior to the proposed vending.

FEES:
  • Note:  If you have a current annual City of Bethlehem Mobile Truck License (sticker), not all fees may apply.
  • Health Inspections Fee:
    • 1   Day Vending           = $26
    • 2 – 3 Days Vending    = $41
    • 4 – 14 Days Vending  = $76
    • Late Submittal Fee    = $10
  • Fire Inspection Fee (if cooking, heating, or warming on site):
    • $50 x Number of Vending Locations
  • If the event encroaches on public property, the Engineering Bureau will determine if a $100 Right of Way fee may be required.

WHAT YOU MAY NEED FOR YOUR APPLICATION:
  • If you will be vending as part of a Special Event, you will need the Special Event number provided to you by the event organizer.
  • You will be required to submit specific details about your vending including location, dates and times, type of vending, etc.
  • If you are not participating in a Special Event, you will need a detailed site map.  
  • You may need insurance.  Directions are provided in the application.
  • You may need a City of Bethlehem Business Privilege License.
  • If you are offering food and/or beverages, you will need to provide a list of products offered (Menu) and a current Food Safety Manager’s Certificate.
  • Current Commissary’s Health License if preparing, storing or cleaning equipment off site.  Note: All precooking with cooling of TCS foods must be done in an Approved Licensed Facility.
  • If you are cooking, heating, or warming on site, you will need to provide both the heating mechanism and heating source/fuel type for each vending location.
  • If you are cooking in a fully enclosed mobile unit (food truck/trailer), you will be required to provide an inspection, testing and maintenance report for your truck or trailer’s Commercial Kitchen Hood Suppression System (2018 IFC 901.6.1).
 
SUPPORT:
  • If you have any questions or need assistance, please email our vending staff or call 610-419-8377.