Footpath Trading Permit

A Footpath Trading Permit is required if you wish to conduct business on the footpath such as displaying items for sale or placing tables and chairs for dining.

The permit is required under Part 13 of the City of Whittlesea’s Municipal Law (No 1 of 2008).

Permit conditions

There are a number of conditions that must be met when using the footpath for trade.

Below is a summary of conditions but please refer to the Footpath Trading Policy for full details:

• Displays must must be placed in the Trading Activity Zone of the footpath during the normal trading hours;
• Any structures must be safe and have an acceptable appearance;
• A-frame, 'sandwich' or other advertising boards must not be placed outside the business;
• All food for human consumption must be raised above ground level;
• Reasonable care must be taken to prevent injury;
• No touting, spruiking or soliciting is allowed;
• Up to 10 chairs with tables to be placed on the footpath or pedestrian area (For more than 10 chairs with tables, you will need a Planning Permit. To apply, see Forms and Guides below).
• Tables and chairs and any other objects, such as umbrellas or heaters, must be moveable and placed in such a way that allows pedestrians to move past with being obstructed;
• Access to other businesses or services must not be blocked; and
• Barriers, windbreaks, trees and pot plants may not be used unless permission is obtained from an authorised Council officer.

Remember, that alcohol can not be served unless a permit holder has a licence issued under the Liquor Control Act 1987.

An authorised officer can remove or impound any goods or structures that do not meet these requirements.

How to prepare your application

Follow the steps below to prepare your application for a Footpath Trading Permit:

• Download a copy of the Footpath Trading Policy and the Footpath Trading Policy Brochure.
• Download a copy of the application form from the Forms and Guides section below.
• Prepare a proposed site plan and details of what will be displayed;
• Arrange public liability insurance cover for no less than $10 million and name Council as an interested party on the policy;
• Sign the application form; and
• Organise the permit fee of $117 incl. GST.

How to lodge your application

You will need:

• the signed application form;
• the proposed site plan and details of what will be displayed;
• a copy of your public liability policy; and
• a cheque for the $117 incl. GST permit fee (payment must be made by cheque if lodging by mail)

You may lodge your application in two ways:

By mail

Please place the above items in an envelope and post them to:

Local Laws Department
City of Whittlesea
Locked Bag 1
BUNDOORA MDC VIC 3083

or

In person

Please bring the items listed above to the Local Laws counter at the Council Offices. Payment can be made by cheque, cash, credit card or EFTPOS.

Note to existing permit holders:

The permit must be renewed by the expiry date displayed on your existing permit. A permit will only be issued for the period of time by which your public liability insurance is valid, which will be the same expiry date on your permit. Please ensure you submit a renewed copy of your public liability insurance with your application.

Application approval

You should receive a response from Council within 7 days to arrange an inspection of the site prior to a permit being approved.

Further information

For further information please contact:
Local Laws Department
(03) 9217 2100.