SAFETY AND AMENITY
Street dining should be designed to create an attractive, comfortable and safe ambience for the public and should not compromise the public amenity. The outdoor dining space should be non-invasive and respectful of the amenity of the area. Safety features and well-designed and maintained furniture and associated infrastructure are essential. With safety in mind, street dining should aim to improve the environment, reduce the opportunity for crime and promote accessible places that encourage a feeling of safety and community participation.
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
A well designed and maintained outdoor dining space is essential to ensure adequate open space for people to enjoy without obstructions on the street. Street dining should be integrated into the street in a way that does not compromise existing uses, building entrances, emergency access, disabled access and pedestrian safety.
VEHICULAR ACCESS
The establishment of outdoor dining must not compromise essential or emergency vehicles access or obstruct loading, construction zones and entrances to private buildings and carparks.
DESIGN
The Surf Coast Shire has distinctive character with a, relaxed and welcoming feel. Street activities should be a natural extension of the city as inspiration is often sought from businesses that are bold, innovative and distinctive. The range of furniture should reflect the uniqueness, depth and breadth of creative opportunities in the public realm.
ATTRACTIVE AND HIGH QUALITY
Any additions to the streetscape should create a seamless and attractive addition to the area. The overall design of outdoor dining infrastructure should contribute to the area’s physical characteristics and enrich local life and street culture. The design and appearance of structures should be high quality and structurally sound to be able to withstand prolonged exposure to various climatic conditions.
ENCLOSING OUTDOOR CAFES AND CAFÉ PARKLETS
Fully enclosed outdoor cafés are discouraged. Installing an extensive marquee or enclosed outdoor dining area will not be approved and creates privatisation of the public realm. Privatisation of the public place results in reduced accessibility, visibility, amenity and safety to the public. The installation of an enclosed outdoor dining area to the front of a building diminishes public space and is not supported.
COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL LAWS
The permit holder is responsible for complying with Footpath Trading guidelines, and all laws including Council's Local Law and all other legal requirements relevant to the operation of an outdoor dining area, and to ensure employees and agents also comply.
MANAGING AMENITY AND SAFETY
Permit holders are responsible for monitoring and managing patron behaviour, and must ensure that if they operate a licensed premises (if they serve alcohol) that staff practice responsible serving of alcohol in accordance with the liquor licence.
SAFE AND CLEAN OUTDOOR CAFES
Outdoor dining areas contribute to public safety by maintaining clear lines of sight through the public place and streets, which increases opportunities for casual surveillance and provides a sense of activity and safety. Constant monitoring by staff also ensures outdoor dining areas are not used for anti-social or unsafe activities.
Areas within and around outdoor dining areas should also minimise the potential for personal injury. Appropriate selection of furniture and fittings, as well as regular maintenance of items is important.
Permit holders are responsible for maintaining the safety and cleanliness of outdoor dining areas. They are also responsible for ensuring rubbish is not windblown into neighbouring areas. Regular cleaning of the outdoor dining area by staff ensures rubbish does not accumulate.