Outdoor dining fees in the City of Sydney local area have been permanently waived, following their initial removal form the city almost five years ago.
Fee waivers and fast-track approvals were first introduced to the region in November 2020 in a move to aid the recovery of hospitality venues from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is hoped the permanent removal of all footpath and on-road outdoor dining fees will further incentivise outdoor dining.
Since the program was initiated almost 1000 outdoor dining applications have been approved which, according to Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore AO, has created roughly 13,000 metres-squared in outdoor space.
“Waiving outdoor dining fees was one of the first things we did when the pandemic hit Sydney. We did this to make it easier for restaurants, bars, and cafés to operate while encouraging physical distancing in the fresh air,” says the Lord Mayor.
“Having brunch with friends, a wine after work, or grabbing a quick bite and watching the world go by are some of the best moments in urban life. Being able to shop, dine, or drink on our footpaths and roadways made it easier for us to enjoy those things and support local businesses in a COVID-safe way.
“The total value of support we have given businesses by waiving footpath and on-street outdoor dining fees since November 2020 is around $20 million, and its real value to our city is immeasurable.”
The Lord Mayor says feedback from local cafés and venues indicates outdoor dining is only becoming more popular in the city.
“What started as cafés moving a few tables and chairs out onto the footpath has turned into a full blown alfresco revolution,” she says.
“People really embraced it, with businesses telling us they took on extra staff to cope with the increased patronage. Three quarters of participating businesses have said the boost in customer numbers meant they needed to hire more employees, with more than a third seeing a 20 per cent increase in turnover.
“Our priority is to ensure the city continues to have thriving outdoor dining spaces while maintaining sufficient space for others, including those pushing prams or in wheelchairs.”
The City of Sydney says, given the success of the program and the popularity of on-street dining spaces, it is investigating locations where footpaths can be permanently extended onto the road, and is looking into the feasibility of using laneways for live music and cultural events.
