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(By Jun Heo, Bond University Journalism Student)
Market Square retailers are angry about the Gold Coast City Council’s restrictions on what they can advertise in their shopfronts and windows.
Signboards and tables outside the door of stores are prohibited and owners are being warned they will be fined if caught.
Kym Design owner Wendy Lund said she was not aware about the Gold Coast City Council’s regulations before opening her store.
“It looked like we could place signs outside, all over the internet before we moved in but when everyone moved in they stopped it all,” she said.
“We have to keep all the signs inside because the council comes all the time to take photos to warn us that they’ll fine us.”
The Basement owner Cameron Williams said he felt the restriction affected business.
“It’s a real nightmare,” he said.
“I feel restricted because I can’t put out signs and sale stock outside my store as I did in my previous shop.”
“I know a few businesses who have complained about this because it really does affect business.”
Ms Lund and Mr Williams said they were unaware of these regulations until they had moved into their respective Market Square shops.
Gold Coast permits and licensing representative Phil Barker said footpaths and or the land outside stores belonged to the council.
“The regulation depends on whether it is council land, if the area has certain allowances and the visible footpath,” he said.
The Gold Coast City Council website explained the regulations were introduced to ensure safety and for aesthetic purposes.
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