Do I need a permit to paint?

Hi there... so I thought that I would need a vendors license to be able to paint in public and charge for it, but I called the state tax department today to make sure and they told me that I don't need one because I don't have to charge tax on face painting. So that's cool... but do I need some other kind of official permit to paint in a public place? Say like a park where there are lots of things going on, or a parking lot where people tailgate? I haven't been able to find any real information online yet, or figured out who to call to ask. Maybe someone here has figured it out?

well... stadiums usually require permission from their organization to sell on their property. That is about all I know from getting kicked out of the stadium parking lot...lol

hmmm... so should I contact the owner of the parking lot? It's not technically part of the stadium, but it's the main lot people go to. I'll look into it... how about city parks? Anyone know which department to contact for that?

Amanda wrote:So that's cool... but do I need some other kind of official permit to paint in a public place? Say like a park where there are lots of things going on, or a parking lot where people tailgate? I haven't been able to find any real information online yet, or figured out who to call to ask. Maybe someone here has figured it out?

In Massachusetts there are laws that change from city to city. My suggestion is that you call the town/city hall of the city where you want to do this and ask. Many cities issue something like a busker's permit or license, some only issue them during public events and some don't allow that type of business on the street at all.
You could find yourself all set up only to have the cops show up and tell you to shut it down.

Check your city's web site and look under park and recreations or license's and permits. You'll be able to find a phone number you can call. Don't risk your business or put yourself under unwated circunstances..Good Luck!

Thank you for this information! I've filed for my business license, and plan to set up at our local baseball fields. There are always tons of kids up there, and many have nothing exciting to do as their brothers play baseball. I think I'm just going to do tips, but have a $5 pinned to my "tips" button, and seed a tip jar with $5s and $10s. I just want to get outside and paint in this beautiful weather!

Also, I got some new splits and brushes, and want to play!

Happy Friday,
Amy Bee

you definitely want to get permission from the property... while it is a "public" park, it doesn't mean that anyone can just set up and sell something (even for tips) without permission. Parking lots would be private property and you would need permission from the person that owns the lot whether it be a stadium or private business.

If it's a little league, maybe contact the little league and offer a small percentage 10%?) of your tips as a donation to their organization? A sign on your tip jar stating "a portion of the proceeds benefit XYZ" might help you sell to the parents who want to benefit their league - not to mention the good PR and you could put "proud supporter of XYZ" on your website! I need to get on the ball and do this with my local little league since the field is walking distance just at the end of my street!

Becky, that's a great idea! I spent many hours at the park watching my boys play, and my daughter was just a little sweetie, bored out of her mind. How much more fun it would have been to get her face painted - something just for her while her brothers played!

Thanks for your advice. I appreciate everyone!
Amy Bee

Great question. Thanks for asking.