You need a footpath trading permit (also called a public space licence) to place items on the footpath outside your business.
Public liability insurance
If you want to apply for a footpath trading permit or have an existing footpath trading permit you must have public liability insurance (also called a Certificate of Currency) with a minimum of $20 million coverage.
You will need to provide a copy of your insurance when are applying for the first time and if you have an existing footpath trading permit and its about to expire.
Apply for a footpath trading permit
Step 1 - Read our footpath trading policy
Our footpath trading policy [ PDF, 789.49 KB] has information about eligibility criteria, requirements and conditions.
If your footpath is less than 2.5m wide, you will not be eligible for a footpath trading permit.
Step 2 - Complete a footpath trading site plan
When applying online, you must attach a completed footpath trading site plan. If you want to serve liquor with your footpath trading, you need this for your redline extension.
To use your neighbour's footpath, include this area on your site plan along with written permission.
We have created some example templates to make it easier for you. Download the site plan that applies to your shop frontage:
- Single frontage [ PDF, 740.28 KB]
- Corner 1 [ PDF, 1.11 MB]
- Corner 2 [ PDF, 1.12 MB]
- Using your neighbour's frontage (extension) [ PDF, 1.17 MB]
Step 3 - Gather remaining information
You must attach these items to your application:
- Current copy of public liability insurance with a minimum of $20 million coverage.
- Written permission from your neighbour if you plan to use the area outside their business.
- Site plan including what items you want to place and where, item dimensions, and the distance of items from the shop front and kerb.
Step 4 - Apply online
When you apply online, you must answer questions about the footpath area and your business. You must also provide your company details, trading name and address.
An application fee will apply.
Footpath trading fees
We charge fees per item placed on the footpath outside your business. All fees are GST free.
These fees are current to 30 June 2025.
| Item on footpath | Fee |
|---|---|
| Non-refundable application/inspection fee | $64 |
| Advertising sign - (licensed) | $203 per |
| Advertising sign - (unlicensed) | $138 per |
| Goods display | $474 per |
| Heaters | $125 |
| Planter boxes/tubs | $65 |
| Awnings | $247 |
| Other miscellaneous items | $65 per |
| Table - less than 800mm | $92 per |
| Table - greater than 800mm | $104 per |
| Chair (licensed) | $85 per |
| Chair (unlicensed) | $26 per |
| Screens/barriers | Free |
| Umbrella(s) | Free |
Add or remove items from existing permit
To add or remove items from an existing permit, you must submit a variation. This must show the placement of items and how many items you want to have.
You must have your current permit number so we can link it to your existing permit.
Step 4 - Inspection and approval
If we have the information we need, we'll refer your application to an authorised officer. The officer will then contact you and organise a time for an inspection.
The inspection will make sure your items fit in the area and comply with our footpath trading policy.
After we approve your application and you pay the invoice for your items, we'll issue your permit.
Serving alcohol
If your business is licenced and you want to serve alcohol on the footpath, you must extend your redline plan with Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) and our town planning department. Customers cannot consume alcohol in the extended area until you do this.
Update your details
You can update your details by simply submitting an online request.
You must have your current permit number so we can link it to your existing permit.
Please note: footpath trading permits are not transferable between owners/proprietors. If you take over a business, you must submit a new application.
Apply to extend footpath trading
If you have your neighbour's permission, you can apply to use their footpath area to serve your customers. You cannot extend any further than an adjoining neighbour's footpath either side.
Step 1 - Get written permission
You must provide written permission from the owner/operator of your neighbouring premises. This should express 'no concerns' about your business using their footpath trading area.
If you need help, see our written permission example letter [ DOCX, 21.32 KB] .
Step 2 - Complete a footpath trading site plan
See step 2 under How to apply.
Step 3 - Submit site plan and written permission (existing permits only)
You can apply online when you have:
- a site plan with your existing area and the proposed new area
- written permission from the owner/occupier.
You must have your current permit number so we can link it to the variation to your existing permit.
Renew your footpath trading permit
We send out footpath trading renewal notices every September. Current permits are valid until 30 September 2024.
To renew your permit, you must:
- supply a copy of your public liability insurance (Certificate of Currency)
- make payment for the full year.
Your payment reference number is on your footpath trading renewal notice, starting with FPT. Your renewal notice will provide all payment options available.
Your permit will expire at the end of September.
Business support
To find out what other support is available for your business, visit Business Victoria.
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