A PROPOSED $600 fee will sound the death knell for community markets in Warrnambool, according to a number of concerned operators.
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Kerry Lee, who runs the Summer Night Markets with Dianne Brown, said the city's thriving market scene would be decimated if the Warrnambool City Council's Draft Itinerant Trading Policy is introduced.
"It's going to completely change the face of the market," Mrs Lee said.
"We have some commercial stalls but lots of smaller stall holders - the artists and the authors and the kids wanting to have a go. This (the fee) will wipe them out."
The policy aims to help manage itinerant trading in Warrnambool and would include a $600 annual fee for stall holders, $350 for a six-month permit and $125 for a 48-hour permit.
Mrs Lee said other councils throughout the state had made market stall holders exempt from their itinerant trading fees. She said she believed Warrnambool City Council should do the same.
"I seriously think it will damage the markets - our markets along with the other markets that are fabulous in town," Mrs Lee said.
Lana Campbell makes her own range of rhubarb condiments, which she sells at a number of places, including markets.
She said markets were a fantastic platform for small businesses.
"We've seen children there having a go at tipping their toe in the water of the business world," Ms Campbell said.
However, she said most of the small stall operators would not be able to afford the annual fee.
"The $600 fee would stop some traders entering into that market space," she said.
"It simply wouldn't be viable for them to take that risk."
Ms Campbell said the city's markets were popular with visitors and locals alike.
She started her business 10 years ago by selling her products at markets.
Ms Campbell has built it up and now stocks her products at a number of local businesses. "I think we enhance the bricks and mortar businesses," she said.
Members of the public have until Friday to make a submission on the draft policy.
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