New policy and guidelines set to encourage more outdoor dining spots

New alfresco dining guidelines and policy will provide clearer direction for cafe restaurant and bar owners across Greater Geelong.

The Outdoor Dining Policy and Guidelines replace the previous guidelines and guide traders on suitable locations and alfresco furniture such as planters tables and barriers.

The updated guidelines focus on establishing a consistent and efficient approach to the application process permit types positioning safety measures design elements operations and maintenance.

Examples of requirements include:

• Outdoor dining infrastructure such as tables and chairs must be easily removable to allow for emergency services or utility access when required.
• Umbrellas must withstand winds up to 120 km/h and have a minimum clearance of 2.4 m from the footpath.
• Businesses are responsible for maintaining a clean and tidy outdoor dining space including the removal of litter bird droppings tree debris and spills.
• Tables and chairs must be durable weather-resistant and designed for outdoor use.

The updated guidelines have been informed by extensive public engagement in 2022 and this year workshops and surveys with traders emergency services and community members and an accessibility review last year.

The Summer in the Laneways - Little Malop Street Outdoor Dining Trial which allowed hospitality businesses to temporarily expand outdoor dining in this pedestrian priority street provided important learnings that have also been incorporated in the guidelines. The trial tested dining configurations aimed to increase foot traffic and evaluated pedestrian-priority concepts.

Find out more about the new guidelines or apply for a permit online. 

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

The new guidelines support small businesses to create thriving alfresco dining areas that attract locals and visitors alike.

Our new Outdoor Dining Policy and Guidelines pave the way for vibrant accessible and safe environments that respect local character enhance shared spaces and balance the needs of businesses pedestrians and community.

They draw on best practice from other councils and cities while ensuring the approach is local and tailored to our specific needs in the Geelong region.

Councillor Eddy Kontelj

We thank community members for sharing their opinions during consultation.

We’ve heard that traders customers and pedestrians strongly support having more outdoor dining simpler processes more greenery and flexible accessible design.

The City has made sure the Outdoor Dining Policy and Guidelines reflect local needs and aspirations and we look forward to seeing more of these areas popping up.

It is particularly pleasing that the new policy and guidelines support the popular concept of ‘Dining to the Wall’ – referred to in the guidelines as ‘Trading Zone in front of business.’

This is an initiative that many traders and small business operators request of us post-COVID.

This will make for a very vibrant outdoor dining experience.