By MICHELLE HERBISON
COUNCIL allowing “gypsy traders” to operate out of vans in car parks is unfair to local small businesses, according to a drive-through coffee shop operator.
Coffee Jet’s Russell Leishman said his outlet at Lord Nelson Tavern’s bottle shop was losing business to a van in a nearby car park.
“It’s unfair that people who pay retail rent, insurance, rates and public liability insurance have to compete with someone who pays $7 a day for a car park.”
“We can see it from our place. Even if they’re only selling 20 cups a day, that’s $500 a week that could be coming over to where I am.”
Mr Leishman said council’s lack of regulation encouraged businesses to conduct commercial activities without the responsibilities of shopfronts.
“It opens the door for a whole lot of traders to all be in the car parks. I’d love to see the locksmith and the shoe shop set up in the car parks next to the council offices.
“They’re trying to promote the activity zone of Geelong and the waterfront as an iconic and beautiful spot for people to visit but there are plenty of empty shops.”
City of Greater Geelong city development manager Joanne Van Slageren said council had examined the situation and was satisfied the van was operating legitimately under the City’s planning scheme and state regulations.
