Do festival vendors need insurance to operate at New South Memphis events?

Yes. Vendors are generally required to provide a Certificate of Insurance or meet the event organizer's insurance rules; the City of Memphis special-events guidance is the controlling municipal resource.

What coverage types are typically requested?

Commercial general liability, commercial auto (if vehicles are used), and workers' compensation for employees are commonly required; exact limits and endorsements are set by the permit or organizer.

Where do I submit insurance documents and permits?

Submit the Special Event Permit application and Certificate of Insurance to the City of Memphis Special Events office as instructed on the official permit page and to Shelby County Environmental Health for temporary food permits.

Vendor Insurance Rules for New South Memphis Events

Events and Special Uses Tennessee 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

New South Memphis, Tennessee vendors at festivals and special events must follow the citys special-event permitting rules and provide required insurance and certificates before operating on public property or under an event permit. This article explains which types of insurance are commonly required, where to submit certificates, enforcement channels, and practical steps to comply with permits for New South Memphis events. For official permit procedures contact the City of Memphis Special Events office listed below.City of Memphis Special Events^[1]

Overview

Vendors—food, retail, craft, and activity operators—typically must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) or proof of coverage naming the city as an additional insured and listing the event organizer. Insurance types commonly requested include commercial general liability, commercial auto (if vehicles are used), and workers compensation for employees. The City of Memphis special-events guidance is the controlling municipal resource for events on city property and public rights-of-way; specific numeric limits and wording are not stated on the cited page and are described below where available.^[1]

Insurance Minimums

Common items event organizers and permitting officers ask vendors to provide are:

Commercial general liability certificate naming the City of Memphis as an additional insured.
Limits and aggregate amounts as required by the event organizer or city permit (not specified on the cited page).
Commercial auto liability if transporting goods or using city streets.
Workers compensation proof for employees if applicable under Tennessee law.
Endorsements or language required by the city or permit organizer (see permit instructions).

Always confirm certificate wording and named insured requirements with the event organizer before purchasing or requesting changes to coverage.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of insurance and permit requirements for events in New South Memphis is handled through the City of Memphis permitting and special events process and may involve the citys Risk Management or Code Enforcement units. Monetary fines, specific dollar amounts, and escalation for repeat or continuing violations are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the permitting office before an event.^[1]

Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; contact the special events office for current penalties.
Non-monetary sanctions: permit denial, permit revocation, stop-work or removal orders, seizure of goods when ordered by enforcement, and referral to municipal or state court.
Escalation: first and repeat offences handling is not specified on the cited page; organizers may set progressive sanctions.
Enforcer and complaints: City of Memphis Special Events Office and Risk Management handle compliance and complaints; contact the Special Events office for inspection and complaint procedures.^[1]
Appeals and review: the cited municipal guidance does not list an administrative appeal timeline; contact the permitting office for appeal steps and deadlines.

If a vendor lacks a required COI at the event, the organizer or city may bar participation until coverage is shown.

Applications & Forms

Special Event Permit Application (City of Memphis special-events application) purpose: obtain city permission to operate a festival or special event; fee and submission method: see the special events office page (fee details not specified on the cited page).
Certificate of Insurance (COI) purpose: show required liability and other coverage; submit to event organizer or city Risk Management as directed in the permit instructions.
Temporary food service permits for vendors serving food purpose and application: managed by Shelby County Environmental Health (fees and forms published by the county).

Some multi-vendor events require the organizer to provide a master COI covering vendors; confirm whether the event uses a master policy or vendor-level COIs.

FAQ

Do festival vendors need insurance to operate at New South Memphis events?: Yes. Vendors are generally required to provide a Certificate of Insurance or meet the event organizers insurance rules; the City of Memphis special-events guidance is the controlling municipal resource.^[1]
What coverage types are typically requested?: Commercial general liability, commercial auto (if vehicles are used), and workers compensation for employees are commonly required; exact limits and endorsements are set by the permit or organizer.
Where do I submit insurance documents and permits?: Submit the Special Event Permit application and COI to the City of Memphis Special Events office as instructed on the official permit page and to Shelby County Environmental Health for temporary food permits.

How-To

Contact the event organizer or City of Memphis Special Events office to request the permit packet and insurance language required for the COI.^[1]
Obtain quotes from an insurer for the required coverages and endorsements named by the city or organizer.
Arrange for your insurer or broker to issue a COI listing the City of Memphis as an additional insured and include any required endorsements.
Submit the COI and completed permit application by the event deadline; keep proof of submission and confirmations.
At the event, keep copies of your COI and permit on-site and comply with inspections or requests from city inspectors or event staff.

Key Takeaways

Confirm COI wording and named-insured requirements with the event organizer before buying coverage.
Temporary food vendors also need county health permits in addition to city event permits.

Help and Support / Resources

[1] City of Memphis Special Events: Special event permitting and guidance