Outdoor dining policy changes

New street trading policy: "The new policy will balance the needs of business owners, customers and pedestrians".

From City Scene, published on 20 September, 2009.

The council has a new street trading policy that provides clearer, more consistent guidance for businesses using public space for 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, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee.

"The new policy balances the needs of business owners, customers and pedestrians while making things simpler and clearer."

While providing improved transparency of council decisions, the policy will ensure that outdoor dining facilities retain local character, pedestrian access and safety throughout the affected area.

Under the policy the council will recover costs by moving from a "per chair" licence fee, to a system based on the area of coverage, which will simplify administration. This is subject to annual plan consultation, and decisions on this will be made next year.

Two further street trading policies are currently being worked on.

The draft policy on the "giving away of goods in public places" is currently under consultation, and will be reported to the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee in November.
The draft policy on the "sale of goods and services in public places" (which includes markets and street stalls) will go to consultation later this year.

Visit Street trading policy or call Auckland City Council for more.