What insurance do you need to hold market stalls in QLD?

Quick answer

Most Queensland markets expect individual stallholders to have public liability insurance. If you employ anyone, you must have workers' compensation insurance. Beyond that, consider stock and contents insurance, transit cover, and specialised policies for food, alcohol or higher-risk activities.

Always ask the market organiser what they require in writing, and get a certificate of currency from your insurer showing the required cover and limits.

Core insurance types stallholders should consider

Public liability: Protects you if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged because of your stall. Markets often ask for public liability cover and commonly set a minimum limit (many ask for around 10 million, but requirements vary).

Workers' compensation: If you employ staff (including paid casuals), you must have workers' compensation insurance through WorkCover Queensland. This is a legal requirement for employers.

• Public liability — usually the first requirement from markets.
• Workers' compensation — required if you have employees.
• Product liability — often included with public liability but check your policy wording.

Other useful covers for market sellers

Stock and contents insurance: Covers loss, theft or damage to goods you sell and equipment such as tables, marquees and display fittings. Important for outdoor markets where theft and weather damage are risks.

Transit or goods in transit: Covers stock while you move it between home, vehicle and market site.

Commercial motor or vehicle insurance: If you use your vehicle for business deliveries or to display goods, check that your motor policy covers business use — private policies may exclude commercial activities.

Event or temporary stallholder cover: Short-term ‘market day’ or event insurance can be an option if you attend only occasionally.

• Stock theft and damage cover for outdoor stalls.
• Transit cover for goods on the move.
• Check vehicle policy before using your vehicle for market business.

Food, alcohol and high-risk activities

Food vendors: If you sell food, you will need to meet local council food safety rules and market hygiene requirements. Insurers usually expect you to hold public/product liability and often recommend higher limits or a food-specific policy that includes contamination and spoilage cover.

Alcohol: Selling or sampling alcohol usually requires a liquor licence or approval from the organiser and may need additional liability cover or host liquor liability included in your policy.

High-risk activities: Anything involving heat, open flames, power tools, or personal services (piercing, makeup application) can increase insurer concerns — disclose these activities and buy appropriate cover.

• Food stalls should check council and market rules and consider food contamination cover.
• Selling alcohol requires licences and possibly additional cover.
• Disclose any high-risk activity to insurers to avoid exclusions.

Do market organisers' insurance policies cover stallholders?

Sometimes market organisers hold public liability insurance for the event, but that cover usually protects the organiser, not individual stallholders. Some organisers may negotiate stallholder cover or include stallholders under their policy — this is not guaranteed.

Before relying on organiser cover, get written confirmation (certificate of currency) that you are covered and understand the extent and any limits or exclusions. Many markets still require each stallholder to maintain their own cover.

• Ask the organiser for a certificate of currency and read what it covers.
• If the organiser’s policy excludes stallholders, you must have your own insurance.

What to check in a policy

Check cover limits, exactly what activities are insured, whether outdoor/event work is included, and any exclusions such as homemade food or use of generators. Ensure the policy covers product liability if you sell consumables.

Request a certificate of currency you can show market organisers. Keep records of your policy number, insurer contact and renewal dates.

• Policy limit and type (public vs product liability).
• Specified exclusions (food, alcohol, activities, outdoor weather).
• Transit, theft and equipment cover if needed.