Hospitality businesses and community members are invited to have their say on draft guidelines aimed at providing clear direction for traders on alfresco dining, making public areas more vibrant and ensuring safety.
Open for feedback today, the Draft Outdoor Dining Guidelines intend to provide guidance about suitable locations, exclusion and pedestrian zones and allowable types of fixed and temporary furniture, including planters, tables and barriers.
The draft guidelines focus on establishing a consistent and efficient approach to the application process, permit types, positioning, safety measures, design elements, operations and maintenance.
Businesses would be able to apply for a permit to use public spaces other than footpaths such as pedestrian laneways and plazas, considering factors like safety, surrounding uses, and public need.
The guidelines have been informed by engagement such as workshops and surveys with traders, emergency services and community members, and an Accessibility Review last year.
Learnings from the Summer in the Laneways - Little Malop Street West Outdoor Dining Trial?have been incorporated into the guidelines. From December 2024 until March 2025, five businesses took part in the trial between Shorts Place and Denny's Place. This initiative allowed food and beverage businesses to temporarily expand outdoor dining between the property boundary to the edge of the Little Malop Street with automated bollards restricting vehicle access. The trial aimed to contribute to a vibrant dining atmosphere, test dining configurations, increase foot traffic, support local businesses, and evaluate pedestrian priority concepts.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Council recognises the value of outdoor dining and is committed to collaborating with businesses to facilitate this activity.Alfresco dining in central Geelong and across the region is a significant driver of the economy and helps to make public spaces more vibrant.
Dining on the footpath, in unique laneways and plazas attracts local and international visitors, supports jobs and helps people to feel safe.
Whether you're a business owner, supplier, outdoor dining patron or from the broader community, I encourage you to have your say on these important guidelines.
Councillor Eddy Kontelj
The Draft Outdoor Dining Guidelines draw on best practice from other councils and cities and ensure a contemporary approach that is tailored to Geelong.While the guidelines are based on best practice, it is still extremely important for businesses and community members to provide their valuable feedback.
The draft guidelines aim to support the empowerment of local businesses, promote social inclusion and ensure public safety in the design and management of outdoor dining.
