Popular coffee van shut down on technicality
A GOLD Coast business owner forced to shut her popular little coffee van after a handful of complaints says she has been blindsided by the “devastating” situation.
Livin Coffee Co owner Louise Whitcher started her roadside shop on private residential property after her coffee roasting business was crippled by COVID-19 and closed down.
Located near a dog park on Nankeen Ave at Paradise Point, Livin has been a destination for pedestrians and those visiting the park.
But on Friday, a note from Livin emerged on the Paradise Point Community Facebook page and residents were shocked to hear about its closure.
“Due to a complaint made, it is with great sadness yesterday afternoon I was asked to cease trading until the matter resolved,” the note read.
“This is honestly ludicrous. Give the lady a break. It’s coffee … she isn’t performing autopsies!” one woman commented.
Ms Whitcher said she had been led to believe her business was compliant, but a complaint spurred Gold Coast City Council into action over zoning.
“A little fairy in the neighbourhood decided to complain to council,” she said. “We’ve built the trailer, set everything up and because one lady complained it’s gone to some department in council.”
However, a council spokesperson said four complaints were received.
Ms Whitcher said council officers tried to help as best they could, but she had closed on Monday.
“I’m devastated. I’ve worked so hard and I’m really passionate about the business. I just want to keep growing my brand,” she said.
“It just brings in enough income to support my small family.
“I had two women turn up to get coffee the other day and they ended up in tears.”
Ms Whitcher said to continue operating she would have to fork out thousands for a development application, which could ultimately be rejected. She said the red tape was tough to manage after her troubles earlier in the year.
Ms Whitcher said before she opened she “rang council, spoke to them two or three times and they said because (Livin) was on private property I didn’t need permits”.
A council spokesperson said: “An investigation showed a development approval was required for (the shop) to continue to operate, in accordance with the City’s Planning Scheme.
“The City advised the operator the use was not lawful, and asked the matter be resolved by either ceasing to operate, or by submitting an application to the City for approval, prior to January 4, 2021,” they said.
The council said the application fee for under 200sq m of gross floor area was $5324, while an outlet exceeding 200sq m was $10,695.00 plus $3.20 for every subsequent square metre.