Vendors and shoppers at Malibu Farmers Market have criticised its abrupt move from Legacy Park to the City Hall car park, saying the new site is less attractive, harder to find and likely to reduce trade. The dispute matters because the market has become a popular community and celebrity destination, but officials say the park was never approved as a permanent commercial venue.

The market had operated at Legacy Park for three years while construction took place at a Santa Monica College campus, with visitors buying items such as $14 organic eggs and $12 jam. Malibu says deed restrictions, zoning and safety concerns prevent continued use of the park, while the market also occupied about 40% of its parking spaces; organisers said 30 to 35 vendors did not attend after the move, citing short notice and reduced footfall.