Outdoor trading areas, as a form of activity on the street, can make a significant contribution to the quality of public places and urban life, while also providing opportunities for local businesses to increase their trade and provide a better experience for their patrons. Council approvals are designed to enhance the community through the appropriate and safe use of public footpaths.

Applying for an outdoor trading area

To occupy a public footpath for business purposes you will need to secure an approval by following these steps. 

1. Read Council's Outdoor Trading Specification. 
2. If you are operating a food business, you must register your food business with Council. -Your outdoor trading application will not be assessed if your food business is not registered. More information on this can be found here.
3. Submit an Outdoor Trading Application and pay the associated fees. Please ensure that you provide a site plan with all relevant information outlined in section 5.2 of the specification, and an insurance certificate of currency with indemnity statement as outlined in section 15 of the specification. Missing or Incorrect information may delay the review of your application and may impact your chances of approval.
4. We will notify you of an outcome as soon as possible. 

If you intend on having fixed furniture as part of your outdoor dining area (such as awnings, planter pots, umbrellas, or any furniture that is not stored off-street at close of business), a more detailed assessment is required. You will need to apply via the Business use of a public footpath application ensuring you provide detailed plans and a description of your proposed furniture. You must already have an approval for this application to be considered. Please note that the application review process can take up to 40 days and may be delayed further if insufficient information is provided.

Important information

All venues applying to use the footpath for dining purposes must have development consent to serve food for eating at the premises. It is the Businesses responsibility to ensure development consent for their site is complied with. 

When creating your outdoor trading space, please consider how your venue will be able to accommodate patron safety and physical distancing, the impact on local residents and other businesses, and allow adequate access for all pedestrians, residents and essential vehicles.

For more information on outdoor trading, including fees, call us on 02 4306 7900 and ask to speak to the Public Health Team.