Trading outdoors in Queensland

Safety for customers and staff is a priority in any business location.

• Read the Managing work environment and facilities code of practice.
• Review the Queensland Fire Department website, which includes information on building compliance and planning.
• Read the Building Fire Safety Management Tool and Advisory Notes (PDF, 1.5MB) and complete the Fire Safety Management Tool for Owner/Occupiers to ensure your site meets requirements for fire safety.
• Ensure your set-up allows emergency services to quickly access your business and neighbouring areas, if necessary.
• Ensure evacuation routes are clear, including routes from adjacent buildings.
• Make sure any equipment you use to trade outdoors—including umbrellas, tables and chairs, heaters, lights and batteries—is safe. Check that it meets any local government requirements, is secured according to the manufacturer's instructions, and appropriate for use in your setting.
• Engage with local government to discuss any waste management requirements.
• Review information on electrical safety.
• Find information on food safety.

• Think about how you will provide protection from the weather, including sun and rain. Review information about sun and shade to help keep your staff and customers safe.
• Consider how your outdoor trade premises may be affected by a severe storm, flood or fire. Use the small business disaster hub to find disaster information for your industry.

There are a number of factors to consider when you design your outdoor trade area.

• Consider the visual appeal of your proposed outdoor trading site so that it makes your business look attractive and meets any local government requirements, for example, regarding local character.
• Engage with local government to understand any requirements for additional development approvals, to protect heritage, and to minimise environmental nuisance.
• Ensure all building works and built structures comply with the required building laws, codes and standards
• Read about the required forms, approvals and inspections for building work.
• Review information on building access standards for people with a disability.
• Review your local government's advice on keeping pathways free for all users.
• Consider any barriers to access your outdoor space could potentially create, and ways to address these. Examples of barriers could include
  • bright lights and loud sounds
  • lack of or inaccessible pathways
  • lack of accessibility features on outdoor signage
  • lack of adjacent accessible parking or accessible restrooms
  • covered benches that do not allow for a wheelchair or other mobility device.
• Review fact sheets on creating inclusive and accessible venues and events.
• Consider creating your own access key, to provide accurate and convenient information about accessing your venue or event for all people, regardless of ability. Learn more about access keys from Access Ability Australia.

Plan for how to manage outdoor activities to meet all compliance requirements as advised by your local government or other government agency, for example:

• compliance with laws and any relevant council policy
• managing noise and nuisance behaviour
• disposing rubbish and recycling
• cleaning and maintenance
• requirements for liquor, smoking and patron behaviour.