Outdoor dining

Footpath trading

Footpath trading refers to using part of the footpath directly in front of your business for activities such as:

  • outdoor dining
  • selling products
  • displaying signage.

How do I apply?

Complete the footpath activities permit application and provide:

  • a site plan of the footpath area
  • a certificate of currency for at least $20m public liability cover
  • a form of indemnity

If you already have a permit, you may use the footpath for outdoor trading. No further action is needed.

To renew your existing permit, complete the footpath activities renewal form.

What are the fees?

Fees for the 2024/25 permit period:

A Frame/Tear drop sign                           $227 
Display goods $447
Display goods and sign $515
Tables and chairs (up to 8 chairs) $447 
Each additional chair $89

 

Expanded footpath trading

Expanded footpath trading refers to expanding your footpath trading zone to the footpath in front of an adjacent business.

How do I apply?

Fill out the expanded footpath trading application form and provide:

What are the fees?

Fees for the 2024/25 permit period:

Tables and Chairs (up to 8 chairs) - $447
Each additional chair - $89

Parklet program (adjacent kerbside car park trading)

Applications are now open for 2024/25.

A parklet permit allows hospitality businesses to extend their outdoor dining to car park spaces. If you have car park spaces directly adjacent to your business, you may be eligible for a parklet.

Note: If you currently have a parklet permit, you will need to apply for a new permit for 2024/2025 rather than a renewal.

How do I apply?

Step 2. Chat

Reach out to the Kingston Business team on 1300 653 356 or business@kingston.vic.gov.au before applying to register your interest and discuss your eligibility.

Step 3. Decide

Decide if you are applying for a Seasonal (6-month) or Yearly (12-month) permit.

Step 4. Apply

Prior to submitting your application, make sure you have the following information readily available, as applications cannot be saved.

Complete the parklet permit application and provide:

  • Parklet plans. 1
  • Letters of support from neighbouring trading businesses. 2
  • Evidence of your commercial lease agreement or proof of property ownership.
  • A certificate of currency for at least $20m public liability cover3
  • Footpath activities permit number, if applicable. 4
  • Current liquor licence, if applicable. 5
  • A short statement outlining the vision for your parklet and what you hope to achieve.

If you are installing a platform, a structural engineer will need to be engaged to prepare and certify the design, inspect the structure upon completion and provide certification confirming that the completed works are structurally sound.6

Detailed information on application requirements is available in the Parklet Guidelines(PDF, 1MB).

Apply for a parklet permit

Applications close Monday 8 July.

  1. Parklet plans are required to include: aerial photo, photo of parklet location site, site plan, elevation plan, and detailed drawings. Read the Parklet Guidelines(PDF, 1MB) for further details.
  2. Letters of support must be completed by neighbouring trading businesses plus 1 from another business in the same shopping centre. Neighbours can complete the form and email it to you confirming their support. You can then attach these letters to your application.
  3. A certificate of currency can be provided by your insurance company.
  4. Footpath trading refers to using part of the footpath directly in front of your business for activities.
  5. Contact Liquor Control Victoria to apply for or renew a liquor licence or change your existing liquor licence to include the parklet area.
  6. If you are installing a platform, you can find a list of professional engineers at Consumer Affairs Victoria.

 

What are the fees?

Parklet permit and application fees and charges for 2024/2025 are outlined below.

Description of fees and charges 2024/25 Fee inc. GST
Parklet application fee $233.40
Parklet permit: Seasonal permit, 1 parking bay $1,676.20
Parklet permit: Seasonal permit, 2 parking bays $3,347.15
Parklet permit: Yearly permit, 1 parking bay $2,535.55
Parklet permit: Yearly permit, 2 parking bays $5,071.10

To learn more about the program, view the Parklet Policy(PDF, 210KB) and Parklet Guidelines(PDF, 1MB).

If you have a question about the parklet program, contact the Business team on 1300 653 356 or business@kingston.vic.gov.au.

 

Frequently asked questions

Can I serve alcohol in my footpath zone or parklet?

You will need to contact Liquor Control Victoria if you are intending to use the footpath zone or parklet area to serve liquor.

How long will it take to process my application?

We aim to fast track all applications. Footpath trading and expanded footpath trading applications are best placed for quick approval. Applications for parklets may take longer. Prior to applying for a parklet permit, please review the eligibility criteria outlined in the Parklet Guidelines(PDF, 1MB).