Footpath Trading and Activities Draft Policy

Footpath trading allows local businesses to use the footpath for activities like outdoor dining, displays and signs. These activities help create a lively atmosphere, attract more people to shopping areas, and support the success of local businesses. By making our precincts more vibrant and welcoming, footpath activities benefit the whole community.

Purpose of the Policy

The Policy aims to ensure footpaths are safe and accessible for everyone and provide clear guidelines for businesses on how they can utilise additional space on public land.

Some examples of footpath trading activities are:

• Tables and chairs for additional dining space
• Umbrellas, blinds, heaters and wind barriers
• A-Frame signs, teardrop banners and/or flags
• Display of goods or cooking food on the footpath

We have drafted a new policy and would like to hear from you.

We're looking to make two changes:

• The ability to impose permit conditions about alcohol consumption where there are proven complaints about how it affects our community in mixed-use developments and neighbourhood centres.
• Proposing that furniture can be left overnight in the right places, as long as it’s safe, well-designed and doesn’t block cleaning.

Have your say today by:

• Viewing the Footpath Trading and Activities Draft Policy and Standards and sharing your feedback via the survey below.
• Mailing PO Box 1000, Mentone 3194

Share your thoughts before 30th March 2026.