As COVID-19 restrictions lift, Victorians are looking forward to being able to dine outside during the warmer summer months.
To support hospitality businesses Council is working with individual business owners to assist them in expanding their outdoor dining area, either on a temporary or permanent basis. Further details on how to submit your request for changes to businesses outdoor dining capacity can be found below.
The below temporary and permanent outdoor dining arrangements are available for hospitality and entertainment businesses to consider
Are you seeking Council permission for an outdoor dining area?
Temporary
Temporary Outdoor Dining Expression of Interest
Arrangement |
Description |
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Expanding outdoor dining within the rear property boundary |
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Footpath Trading |
Latrobe City Council aim to ensure footpath trading is undertaken in a safe and well-regulated manner. Businesses must comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, which ensures equal access for all, regardless of age or ability. This means that everyone, including people with vision impairment or limited mobility and parents with prams, must be able to travel safely along footpaths without being impeded by merchandise stands, furniture or advertising signs. |
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Expanding Footpath Trading in front of neighbouring properties |
Businesses can apply to use your neighbour's footpath trading area to serve your customers. To enquire about this option, businesses will need to provide a letter from the owner/operator of the neighbouring property. This should express “no concerns” in relation to your business utilising their footpath trading area. Additionally, prepare a footpath trading plan, detailing all items to be placed in your neighbour’s footpath trading area, including the dimensions of your items (tables, chairs, A-frame sign, etc.) and any Latrobe City Council infrastructure (bins, benches, poles, parking signs, etc.) and the times that the items will be placed in your neighbour’s footpath trading area. |
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Laneways |
Businesses who are considering using adjacent laneways as an outdoor dining area, will need to submit confirmation from any neighbouring properties who utilise the laneway, that they have ‘no concerns’ for this area to be used and that it will not restrict access. Additionally, prepare a laneway trading plan, detailing all items to be placed in the lane way including the dimensions of your items (tables, chairs, A-frame sign, etc.) and any Latrobe City Council infrastructure (bins, benches, poles, parking signs, etc.) and the times that the items will be placed in the laneway |
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Parklets |
A parklet is a seating area created alongside the footpath, over a former roadside parking space. Although this is not currently common in Latrobe City, there are many examples of parklets being well utilised in other area’s and adding another element to the streetscape. We are developing an expression of interest form that will be available very soon, allowing you to submit your specific proposal. |
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Operating from recreational facilities |
Latrobe City Council is currently investigating options for hospitality businesses to have use of council owned recreational facilities with commercial kitchens. Additionally, council owned public spaces and recreational areas may also be considered. We are developing an expression of interest form that will be available very soon, allowing you to submit your specific proposal. |
Permanent
Arrangement |
Description |
|
Footpath Trading |
We aim to ensure footpath trading is undertaken in a safe and well-regulated manner. Latrobe City Council and local traders must comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, which ensures equal access for all, regardless of age or ability. This means that everyone, including people with vision impairment or limited mobility and parents with prams, must be able to travel safely along footpaths without being impeded by merchandise stands, furniture or advertising signs. Learn more about footpath trading permits or apply. |
|
Expanding outdoor dining within the rear property boundary |
To complete this process, you need an understanding of what permits and registrations your business will need. Find out what permits and registrations you need by completing the Pre-Application Questionnaire and the Business Approvals Officer will provide you with the registrations and permits you require. |
|
Operating from any other property |
To complete this process, you need an understanding of what permits and registrations your business will need. Find out what permits and registrations you need by completing the Pre-Application Questionnaire and the Business Approvals Officer will provide you with the registrations and permits you require. |
To lodge an expressions of interest for establishing a parklet, commencing trading at the rear of your premises or other alternatives, call 1300 367 700 or email busdev@latrobe.vic.gov.au to speak to our Business Development team.
Further Information
For more information phone the Business Development Team on 1300 367 700 or email busdev@latrobe.vic.gov.au