Footpath trading

Create your account using your business details

When applying online, please create your account using your business or sole trader name, rather than your personal details. Invoices, permits and correspondence will be issued using the details provided in your application.

Footpath Trading Fees – 2026/2027

Your permit fee is based on the total square metre area of your approved Trading Zone, rather than the size of the tables, chairs or other items you place within it. 

Fees

• Non-Liquor: $104 per m²
• With Liquor: $129 per m²

New applications are charged a pro-rata daily fee from the date of application to 30 June. Full payment is required when your application is submitted.

Payment does not mean your application has been approved. Your permit will only be issued once the application has been assessed and approved.

Renewals

Renewal notices are automatically issued by email for the permit period 1 July to 30 June each year.

How to calculate your area

Measure the length and width of the area you want to use, then multiply:

Length × Width = Total Trading Area

Example:
4.5m × 2.8m = 12.6m²

You do not need to use the entire footpath in front of your business. You can apply for a smaller trading area if preferred.

A-Frame signs: Allow 1m² of trading area, regardless of the size of the sign.

Important

Your proposed trading area must meet the required pedestrian access and clearance requirements outlined in the Footpath Trading Policy.

What you need to apply.

Please have the following documents ready before starting your application. Missing information will delay the processing of your permit.

1. Public Liability Insurance

You must provide a current Certificate of Currency showing:

• Business or trading name
• Business address
• Period of insurance
• Minimum $20 million public liability cover
• Mornington Peninsula Shire listed as an interested party - mandatory requirement

Insurance invoices, statements or policy terms and conditions are not accepted.

2. Site Map

A detailed site map of your proposed Footpath Trading Zone is required. Your site map must show:

• Trading Zone and total area (m²) - mandatory requirement
• Pedestrian Zone – minimum 1.8m wide
• Kerbside Zone – minimum 0.3m
• End clearances – minimum 0.5m
• Existing infrastructure such as bins, seats, bike racks and trees

For guidance on preparing your site map, see Important Information before you apply.

Council will verify all trading zone measurements and may adjust the approved area where required. Additional fees may apply if the trading zone has been underestimated.

3. Photos

Provide photos of all items you intend to place within your approved Trading Zone.

Before you apply: Please ensure you have all required information and documents ready to upload before starting your application. Payment must also be completed as part of the application process.

Apply online

Fees

• Non-Liquor: $104 per m²

What you need to apply.

Please have the following documents ready before starting your application. Missing information will delay the processing of your permit.

1. Public Liability Insurance

Provide a current Certificate of Currency showing:

• Business or company name and trading name
• Business address
• Period of insurance
• Minimum $20 million public liability cover
• Mornington Peninsula Shire listed as an interested party - mandatory requirement

Insurance invoices, statements and policy terms and conditions are not accepted.

2. Site Map

Provide a detailed site map showing your proposed Footpath Trading Zone, including:

• Trading Zone and total area (m²) - mandatory requirement
• Pedestrian Zone – minimum 1.8m wide
• Kerbside Zone – minimum 0.3m
• End clearances – minimum 0.5m
• Existing infrastructure such as bins, seats, bike racks and trees

For guidance on preparing your site map, see Important Information before you apply.

Council will verify all trading zone measurements and may adjust the approved area where required. Additional fees may apply if the trading zone has been underestimated.

3. Liquor Licence

If liquor is being served within your approved Footpath Trading Zone, provide a current VGCCC Liquor Licence showing:

• Business name 
• Trading name
• Business address
• Expiry date
• Pending transfer notifications are not accepted.

4. Photos

Provide photos of all items you intend to place within your approved Footpath Trading Zone.

Before you apply: Please ensure you have all required information and documents ready to upload before starting your application. Payment must also be completed as part of the application process.

Apply online

Fees

• With Liquor: $129 per m²

To help you understand the requirements of a Footpath Trading Permit, the following key conditions must be met:

• Pedestrian Zone: A minimum clear width of 1.8 metres must always be maintained for pedestrian access.
• Kerbside Zone: A minimum clear width of 0.3 metres must always be maintained next to the kerb.
• Clearance Between Businesses: At least 0.5 metres must be kept clear between neighbouring businesses.
• Minimum Footpath Width: Footpaths must be at least 2.5 metres wide to allow trading. This ensures the 1.8 metre pedestrian zone and 0.3 metre kerbside zone remain clear.
• Location of Trading: Trading is only permitted directly in front of your shop front. Trading in front of neighbouring businesses is not permitted.
• Permit Display: Permit stickers must be displayed on the front window or door of your premises to ensure compliance.
• Liquor Service: Businesses wishing to serve liquor in their Trading Zone must apply for a Footpath Trading Permit with Liquor and hold a current liquor licence.
• Council Assets & Infrastructure: At least 0.5 metres clearance is required from any council assets (e.g. bins, poles, seats).
• Bus Stops, Loading & Taxi Zones: A minimum clearance of 1.5 metres must be kept on either side.
• Accessible Parking Spaces: Trading Zones are not permitted directly in front of accessible car parks.
• Items on footpath: All items associated with footpath trading must be removed from the Trading Zone at the close of the trading day. Items are not to be stored on the footpath unless approved as a condition of the permit (additional fees may apply).
• Placement of Items: All items must always remain within the approved Trading Zone, including during bad weather. Items must never be placed in the Pedestrian Zone.
• Permit Transfer: Permits may be transferred to a new owner if the business activity and location remain the same, and Footpath Trading is notified in writing. See Policy 5.23 for further details.
• Permit Period: we are transitioning away from 01 August to 31 July to 1 July to 30 June (yearly permits). 

Please note: ‘Footpath Trading’ and ‘Commercial Activities’ are used interchangeably throughout the website and application form.

For more detailed information on all conditions, please refer to the Footpath Trading Policy.

If you require further information about Footpath Trading, please contact Community Safety on 5950 1434 or email footpathtrading@mornpen.vic.gov.au.