Trading in Public Places Policy

One of Council’s functions is to approve requests for traders and event organisers to occupy public places. Examples include food/coffee carts, events, stalls etc.

“Public places” includes road reserves, green space reserves and other public places. We have fees and charges associated with the occupation of public spaces, and Council can issue permits or licenses to occupy a public space. These activities can add vibrancy and vitality to our towns and public spaces. They can however, impact how the public use and enjoy our public spaces.

Why do we even need a policy?

Although these trading activities are relatively few, we currently have no guidelines around when and how we issue approvals. There is therefore a risk of inconsistency and uncertainty around how Council administers approvals (permits or licenses to occupy) for these activities. To address this, we have developed a draft Trading in Public Places Policy. The purpose of the policy is to manage trading in public places so that:

Public access, use and enjoyment of those places is maintained.
Effects on users and members of the public are minimised.
The frequency, duration and numbers of activities are managed.

There are two important points to note:

The Trading in Public Places Policy does not control trade competition where mobile traders may compete with permanent activities - Council has no legal powers to control or restrict trade competition.
An approval to occupy a public space is separate to any regulatory approvals, which may include food license, resource consent, or alcohol license.

The Trading in Public Places Policy will help guide our consideration and decisions for requests to occupy public spaces, and will provide clarity and greater certainty for traders. While we could also develop a bylaw with associated enforcement powers, at this stage, given the relatively few enquiries and low impact of these activities, Council considers that a policy is sufficient to guide the issue of permits and licenses to occupy.

What does the policy cover?

How we will assess applications to trade.
The types of activities covered by the policy.
Considerations around fees (including discretion to waive fees for community or charitable events/activities).
The type of conditions on permits and licenses.
Definitions.
Forms for both applicants and the issue of permits/licenses.

Have your say - 24 July – 26 August 2024

Head to the submission form at the bottom of this page to tell us your thoughts.

You can also get a copy of the submission form from our office at 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga. A PDF of the submission form is available on the right hand side of this page under the documents section should you wish to print it.

If you have any specific queries or need additional information, please contact info@otodc.govt.nz