Extended Trading Hours

Required Documents for Development Application Lodgement: Extended Trading Hours

Applying for extended trading hours, whether for a café, restaurant, bar, pub, bottle shop, or retail business, requires a well prepared Development Application (DA) supported by specialised documentation. Councils assess how the additional operating hours may impact the local area, neighbouring residents, public safety, noise levels, and overall amenity. The documents outlined below help demonstrate that the business can operate responsibly and sustainably during longer trading periods.

The Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) is the core DA document and explains how the proposed extended trading hours align with planning controls, local policies, and the site’s zoning. It will assess potential impacts, including late-night noise, lighting spill, increased foot traffic, anti-social behaviour, and parking demand. The SEE also outlines the mitigation strategies to ensure the business operates without compromising neighbourhood amenity or public safety. This document demonstrates how the extended hours are reasonable, manageable, and compliant with council requirements.

A robust Plan of Management is essential for extended trading hours applications, especially for hospitality premises. It sets out detailed procedures for managing patron behaviour, security, noise, alcohol service (if applicable), staff training, outdoor dining areas, and late-night operations. The POM will outline how the business will control queuing, smoking areas, waste disposal, and patron dispersal at closing time. Councils rely heavily on this document to ensure the business can operate responsibly during extended hours.

An Acoustic Assessment & Report is required to determine whether extended trading hours will generate noise impacts for neighbours, particularly during evening and night time periods. The report will measure existing ambient noise levels, assess predicted noise from patrons, music, equipment, or vehicles, and recommend mitigation measures such as sound insulation, acoustic doors, speaker positioning, and limits on amplified music. For late night operation, this is often one of the most critical reports.

If extended hours are expected to increase patron numbers, staff presence, or late night deliveries, a Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment may be required. This report examines how extended operations affect local road networks, parking demand, pedestrian safety, and ride-share or taxi activity. It may also recommend management measures, such as designated pick-up/drop-off zones or signage improvements, to minimise impacts on surrounding streets.

For venues serving alcohol or operating late into the night, councils may require a Security and Safety Management Report outlining measures to reduce anti-social behaviour and maintain public safety. This may include security guard requirements, CCTV coverage, lighting improvements, patron management procedures, and incident response protocols. The report ensures the business can manage risks associated with later trading periods.

If outdoor areas, signage, or external lighting will operate later into the evening, a Lighting and Amenity Assessment may be required. The report evaluates spill lighting, glare, and visual impacts on neighbouring properties and may propose mitigation measures such as directional lighting, dimming schedules, or shielding.

Some councils may require A Neighbourhood Notification Strategy which is a summary of how the business will communicate proposed extended trading hours to surrounding residents and stakeholders. This may involve letterbox notifications, consultation meetings, or signage explaining the proposal. Transparent community engagement helps demonstrate that potential concerns are heard and addressed early.

Anticipated Additional Requirements

Additional reports may be requested depending on the nature of the business, proximity to residential areas, licensing requirements, and site-specific constraints.

1. Liquor Licencing Application (if applicable)
   For venues seeking extended hours for alcohol service, councils often require supporting information such as the venue’s liquor licence, proposed licence changes, and details of RSA procedures. These documents help align council approvals with state liquor authority regulations.
2. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Report
   If the venue is located in an area with higher risks of late-night anti-social behaviour, a CPTED Report may be required. It evaluates how design features like lighting, visibility, access control, and layout can reduce opportunities for crime and improve patron safety.
3. Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
   For venues seeking significantly extended hours or late-night trading in sensitive areas, councils may request a Social Impact Assessment. This report examines potential impacts on community amenity, residential character, and local behaviour patterns. It may also outline benefits such as increased vibrancy, employment, or tourism contributions..
4. Waste Management Plan
   Extended trading hours may affect waste generation and collection schedules. A Waste Management Plan will outline procedures for managing late-night waste disposal, odour control, and storage to ensure minimal disturbance to neighbours.
5. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
   An EIS may be required in cases with larger venues, environmentally sensitive areas, or precinct wide late night activation proposals. This provides an in depth examination of environmental, social, noise, and traffic impacts associated with extended trading.