Auckland City Council
Media release
9 September 2009

Outdoor dining policy endorsed

Businesses that operate outdoor dining facilities on public space are set to get clearer, more consistent guidance thanks to the council’s new street trading policy which focuses on the provision of outdoor dining facilities.

“Outdoor dining has transformed Auckland by bringing people out onto the streets and back into their town centres,” says Councillor Greg Moyle, chair of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee.

“Well maintained outdoor dining areas make Auckland feel like a world-class city. Extending dining areas onto the footpath provides a link between businesses and pedestrians and encourages active street life beyond normal trading hours, which adds to the amenity and safety of the area.”

The new policy was developed in response to increased demand for the commercial use of public land, and sets out to ensure that the varying needs of businesses and pedestrians are met by balancing public safety and accessibility with making the streets more lively.

The policy draws on both national and international best practice examples and has been developed after consultation with key stakeholders and businesses.

Key elements include:

• improved transparency of council decision-making regarding the issuing of street trading licences to commercial operators wishing to provide outdoor dining facilities on the street

• provision of clear and consistent guidance for commercial operators

• maintaining a quality street environment and urban character

• ensuring pedestrian safety and accessibility isn’t compromised

• providing an environment conducive to creating a vibrant city

Stakeholder feedback during the consultation period focused on the need to set an easy-to- understand fee structure across the city which is administratively simple and based on cost recovery.

The current street trading licence fee for outdoor dining is $70 per chair. The new policy proposes council move to a full cost recovery principle from 1 July 2010 and that from this date the licence fee determination change from a per chair basis to a square metre basis to simplify administration.

This will clearly delineate the area of footpath available for street trading to ensure there is adequate space for pedestrians.

The licence fee is subject to annual plan consultation and a decision on the amount and determination will be made next year.

The council is progressing the two remaining street trading policies:

• Street trading policy: the Giving away of goods in public places

• Street trading policy: the Sale of goods and services, including markets and street stalls, in public places

These documents will help to implement the Public Places Bylaw by setting out guidelines and criteria against which the council will consider applications for street trading licences.

The draft Giving Away of Goods policy is currently out for consultation, with the outcome due to be reported to the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee in November 2009.

Consultation on the draft Sale of Goods and Services policy is planned for October and November 2009, with the outcome due to be reported to the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee in March 2010.

For more information about the three street trading policies, visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz

Explanation of the three street trading policies

Street trading policy: provision of outdoor dining facilities
This policy addresses the street trading activity of the provision of outdoor dining facilities for the consumption of food and/or drinks, including those offered by a licensed premise. The policy enables the provision by commercial operators, for an appropriate licence fee, of outdoor dining facilities to occur in public places adjacent to a premises used for the same purpose.

Street trading policy: the giving away of goods in public places
This policy addresses the giving away of goods and the soliciting or collection of any subscription or donation on a public place. It applies to parks, reserves, streets, beaches and wharves, and considers the licensing of commercial activities connected with groups or organisations in public places.

Street trading policy: the sale of goods and services, including markets and street stalls, in public places
This policy addresses the provision of commercial services on a public place and the sale, display or dispensing of goods, including craft markets, street markets and street stalls. Again, this policy applies to locations such as parks, reserves, streets, beaches and wharves, and considers the licensing of street trading activities including hawkers and mobile trader.

ENDS

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