Big Don’s Smoked Meats: Council Battle for Passion Project

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Big don’s Smoked Meats Owner Eyes Council Run After Bayswater Permit Frustration

Donovan Macdonald, The Owner Of The Hugely Popular big Don’s Smoked Meats, Is Considering A Run For Local Council After A Frustrating Social Media Post About Delays In Securing Permits For A New Whiskey Distillery Went Viral.

Macdonald’s candid Post Criticized The Bureaucracy Of Some perth Councils, Sparking A wave Of Responses From Community Members And Even Mayors From Victoria Park And Gosnells.

The Spark: Distillery Dreams Meet Red Tape Realities

The Impetus Behind Macdonald’s Viral Post Was His Attempt To Expand His Business With A “Passion Project” Distillery Adjacent To His Existing Shop. He felt That after Securing Most Of The Necessary Approvals,A Seemingly Minor Issue-A Portable Toilet Installed Without A Building Permit-Became A Major Obstacle.

Macdonald Questioned The Logic Of This, Highlighting The Apparent Disconnect Between The Stringency Applied To The Toilet And The Seemingly Smooth Progress Of The Distillery’s Primary Approvals.

Big don’s Smoked Meats Popular Meat Trays. Credit: Facebook/Big Don’s Smoked Meats

Council’s Response And The Occupancy Permit Puzzle

The City Of Bayswater Responded To The Concerns, With Chief Executive Jeremy edwards Stating That The Installation Of Sanitary Facilities Indeed Required A permit. He Also Indicated That The City Is Assisting Macdonald In Obtaining An Occupancy Permit For The Warehouse Itself.

though, Macdonald Argues That the Council May Not Have Records For This Permit, Suggesting That The Building May Have operated Without Proper Authorization For Decades.

Did You Know? Occupancy Permits Ensure Buildings Meet Safety Standards And are Fit For Their Intended Use. Failure To Obtain one Can Result In Fines Or Even Closure.

From Smoked Meats To Council Chambers?

Frustrated With What He Perceives As A Personal And Overly Bureaucratic Approach, Macdonald Is Now Seriously Considering A Bid For A Vacant Seat In His Local Ward In The Upcoming october elections.

He Believes His Unique Position As Both A Resident and Business Owner In The Ward Would Allow Him To Effectively Advocate For The Community’s Needs.

Macdonald’s Journey Began In 2017 With Pop-Up Services And Food Trucks, Evolving Into A Popular Warehouse Destination That Attracts Visitors From Across Perth And Beyond.

Donovan Macdonald And Andy Cooks. Credit: Facebook/Big Don’s Smoked Meats

The Bigger Picture: Advocacy For Small Businesses

Macdonald’s Potential Council Run Isn’t Just About His Personal Frustrations; It’s About Advocating For A More Community-Minded And Less Restrictive Approach To Local Governance,particularly Concerning Small Businesses. He Cites Recent Food Truck Regulations As An Example Of “Over-Governing.”

Despite the Challenges, Macdonald Expresses A Strong Desire To Remain In Bayswater, Where He Lives and His Son Attends School. He hopes To Resolve These Issues And Continue Contributing To The Local Community.

What Changes Would You Like To See In Your local Council’s Approach To Small Businesses?

Do You Think More Business Owners Should run For Local Government Positions?

Navigating Local Council Regulations: A Guide For Small Businesses

Dealing With Local Councils Can Be Daunting For Small Business Owners. Understanding The Regulatory Landscape Is Crucial For Smooth Operations And Growth. Here’s A Simplified Breakdown:

• Zoning And Land Use: Ensure Your Business Activities Comply With Local Zoning Laws.
• Permits And Licenses: Obtain All Necessary Permits And Licenses Before Starting Or Expanding Operations. This may Include Building Permits, food Handling Licenses, And liquor Licenses.
• Health And Safety Regulations: Adhere To All Health And Safety Regulations To Protect Your Employees And Customers.
• Environmental Regulations: Be Aware Of Environmental regulations Related To Waste Disposal, Noise Levels, And Emissions.

pro Tip: Establish A Relationship With Your Local Council Representatives. Open Communication Can Help Resolve Issues quickly And Prevent Misunderstandings.

Regulation Type	Description	Potential Impact
Zoning Laws	Rules Governing Land Use	Can Restrict Business Location And Activities
Building Permits	Authorization For Construction Or Renovation	Delays Can Impact Project Timelines
Health Codes	Standards For Food Safety And Hygiene	Non-Compliance Can Lead To Fines Or Closure

Frequently Asked Questions About Local Council And Small Businesses