The guidelines are based on the decision No 243 for 2016 of HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce on the regulations and conditions for the license of street vendors and peddlers.
The objective is to upgrade the services offered to the public by street vendors and peddlers and guarantee adherence to the laws and regulations governing the various commercial activities in the country.
Street vendor is defined as a person who engages in a commercial activity and requires a shop or an office to obtain a license. Street vendors are classified into two categories. In the first are individual peddlers who go around to sell items such as flowers, newspapers, gifts, books, and others, or offer services and trades such as a plumber, electrician, watch repairer and similar jobs. The other category comprise those using push carts or bicycles to sell goods at passageways, public roads, or various areas. This covers selling vegetables and fruits, packed foods, drinks, and hot and cold meals. Each street vendor could obtain a license for a single activity or service.
To obtain a license, the applicant should be not less than 18 years, obtain a written approval from the employer in case of expatriates, have a health certificate from the Ministry of Public Health, and a certificate of good conduct (clean criminal record), in addition to the necessary approvals from the department concerned with the required activity.
The street vendor is allowed to practice a single activity only, but limited to a certain area for those using push carts. Street vendors should not obstruct traffic or pedestrian movement and use carts and vessels that comply with the standard health and environment regulations. They should avoid the exit and entry points of schools, hospitals, mosques and other similar buildings designated by the MEC. Each street vendor should comply with all the necessary requirements for practicing his activity in accordance with the set professional standards. Besides, street vendors have to produce their commercial license and badges whenever requested by the department or authority concerned. The annual fees for issuing license for such jobs is set by the MEC at QR500 for peddlers and QR1,000 for those using small push carts.
The MEC also stressed that street vendors should maintain the cleanliness of their operation areas, avoid intersections and pedestrian passes, and maintain adequate distance from the entry and exit points of buildings. The designated location for a peddler or street vendor has to keep a distance of 20m from the commercial outlets practicing the same activity. Further, in case of using a private property, a prior written approval from the owner has to be obtained.
The MEC has urged the parties concerned in the private sector and business pioneers to abide by such regulations and standards and offer the public quality and innovative services and goods.
The guidelines are based on the decision No 243 for 2016 of HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce on the regulations and conditions for the license of street vendors and peddlers.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has issued guidelines to regulate the work of street vendors and peddlers in the country, specifying the permissible activities, requirements, and the standards and conditions for issuing a license.
