Apply for a roadside dining permit

The City of Stonnington roadside dining program allows exclusive use of a car space, which you can convert into roadside dining. The space is at the front or side of the property and may include a neighbouring property (with consent).

A roadside dining permit is not transferrable and does not include an extension of your liquor license. If you buy a business with an existing roadside dining permit, you need to apply for a new permit.

We cannot accept applications from businesses that have a Chapel Street frontage and/or a liquor licence after midnight.

Key information

A roadside dining permit only allows you to set up dining on the footpath outside your business.

If you want to set up outdoor dining in a parking space on the road, you must apply for a roadside dining permit.

How to apply

Register your business

You need to register your food business before you can apply for a roadside dining permit.

Prepare your documents

Prepare the documents you will need to submit with your application. This includes all site plans and public liability insurance for a minimum of $20 million.

For more information, see our Roadside Dining Framework(PDF, 1MB).

Apply online

Ensure you have the $275 application fee ready.

Apply now

Receive the outcome

We will email you about the outcome of your application. Conditions may apply to your permit approval.

Apply for a road occupation permit

You must apply for a road occupation permit before installing your roadside dining area.

Receive your permit

Before we issue your permit, you must complete your roadside dining installation and provide us with an Engineering Certificate of Compliance.

We will conduct an inspection before we issue your permit and permit sticker.

You must place the sticker on the front window of your premises.

Have regular inspections

Council officers will make regular inspections throughout the year to make sure you are meeting all permit conditions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Where is roadside dining not permitted?

Roadside dining will not be permitted:

in streets where the speed limit exceeds 50 km/h
in car parking spaces with blue restrictions (e.g. accessible parking spaces), red zones (such as No Stopping areas, Loading Zones, Truck Zones, Taxi Zones, Mail Zones) or green parking restrictions of less than one hour
in areas obstructing access for deliveries, essential and emergency vehicle access, access to commercial car parks and residential building car parks
within one metre of a fire hydrant
in bus zones or adjacent to tram stops
in clearways or towaway zones
in protected cycle lanes
in areas where a 3-metre width for through traffic cannot be maintained, including one-way streets and laneways
within one metre of a fire hydrant or three metres from a post box
within two metres of a Yarra Trams pole
anywhere the City of Stonnington deems it unsafe for the public.

There may be extra access requirements for roadside dining in car space/s in or near Council storm drains, utility pits, or drains with service pit lids.

For more information, read our Roadside Dining Framework(PDF, 1MB).

Can I apply to use the Roadside Dining Permit area of neighbouring businesses?

Yes. You can apply online for a Roadside Dining Permit to a neighbouring premises as part of your initial application. You will need to provide further documentation and written consent from your neighbour.

Do you recommend any suppliers to build my roadside dining area?

We do not endorse or recommend any specific suppliers. Businesses may use a contractor of their choice or select a company from the list below.

Please note that we cannot attest to the quality or value of the work from these companies. There are many other suppliers not on this list who you may wish to use.

Construction must meet roadside dining permit conditions and the terms set out in the Roadside Dining Framework(PDF, 1MB).

If you have any questions, email our Footpath Trading team at footpathtrading@stonnington.vic.gov.au

Apply now

Time

We process applications within 20 business days.

Cost

Application fee: $275
365 roadside dining: $1,950 per car space

New business support

Use our Permit Finder if you’re not sure what permits you need.

Our Business Concierge is also available to help you understand what permits you need. Email: businessconcierge@stonnington.vic.gov.au or call on 03 8290 1333.

Related information

Contact us

Email

footpathtrading@stonnington.vic.gov.au

Phone

03 8290 1333