Business regulations & permits
Council regulates many business activities including food and dining, accommodation, personal services, advertising, commercial filming and busking.
Accommodation venues
Caravan parks, camping grounds, backpacker accommodation and shared facility accommodation venues require a Council permit. Details of how to apply, renew or update a permit.
Advertising
Council regulates advertising devices and signage under our Local Laws. You may need a permit before you install advertising devices or footpath stickers and decals.
Busking
Busking contributes to the vibrancy of our city while providing opportunities for local and visiting artists. Buskers need to obtain a permit from Council to perform in public places.
Commercial activities on Council land
Permits are required if you want to conduct certain commercial activities on Council land or roads.
Filming & photography
Council approval is required for commercial filming or related activities on public open space, footpaths or roads.
Food safety & licensing
Food business regulations, licensing requirements and food safety guidelines.
Footpath dining
If you operate a food business and would like to use the Council footpath as an outdoor dining area for your patrons, you must apply for a footpath dining permit.
Home based business
A home based business is conducted in a residential dwelling and is operated by the residents. You may need Council approval and conditions can apply.
Personal appearance services
Businesses such as tattooing, body piercing, hairdressing and beauty therapy are considered higher risk services and require permits. Other personal appearance services require operators to follow infection control guidelines.
Temporary entertainment events
Council regulates temporary entertainment events under its Local Laws. Permits are required for certain events.
Touting
Touting is not allowed on Council land including footpaths, roadways, public seating areas, Cairns Esplanade, Barlow Park, Cairns Botanic Gardens and other public spaces.
Trade waste
Businesses must manage trade waste correctly. If your business disposes of anything other than domestic sewage into drains, you must apply for a Trade Waste Approval. Refer to the application process outlined below.
Last Updated: 9 October 2025
Latest News > All News
Cairns, let’s enjoy QLD Day together!
Cairns’ residents are invited to celebrate QLD Day on the Cairns Esplanade on Saturday, 6 June, to recognise the state’s...
4 June 2026
More than $200,000 for community events
A total of $203,427 will be invested through Round 18 of the Community Partnerships Grants, supporting 18 community events and...
29 May 2026
Cairns Botanic Gardens giant comes to bloom
The Cairns Botanic Gardens is home to some impressive tropical flora, including the Titan Arum, affectionately known as the ‘corpse...
29 May 2026