Perth Voice Interactive

RED TAPE and restrictions have probably killed the Leederville farmers’ market.

Vincent city council is insisting the organisers abide by three pages of rules and restrictions, which include, “the market shall not include stalls that sell coffee or hot drinks”.

That’s because the council doesn’t want the market taking business from Oxford Street traders.

The markets had already suffered a blow when the council decided to charge $20,000 a year to rent a carpark for the Sunday morning event (to cover cash lost from fees).

The markets had previously rented private space and organisers had hoped for some relief from teh council to enable more promotion and extra viability.

A bit glum

Operator Paul Ashbolt is a bit glum about how it’s all turning out and says the rent and the list of rules from the council were bad enough but the prohibition of coffee sales pretty much kills the whole thing stone dead.

“I can’t think of any other market in existence where a trading restriction of this sort is placed on it,” he told the Voice.

“Under these circumstances we will be withdrawing the application.”

Other rules stipulate the maximum number of stalls and prohibit buskers from using “inappropriate language, material, etc”.

Mayor John Carey says the rules are there so the markets “complement existing services”.

“In our mind it’s pointless to have a stall selling coffee there when we have so many incredible cafes here.

“That’s an approach we’re leading to in all our festivals and events: complement the existing businesses.”

Mr Carey says it’s hard to understand how a ban on hot drinks could scuttle what’s meant to be a farmers’ market.

The issue is set to be put to the vote at next week’s ordinary council meeting.

by DAVID BELL