Free outdoor dining permits could be extended into 2025

By ERIN MODARO

Sydney’s Mayor is calling for outdoor dining to be free across Sydney. Restaurants are currently required to obtain special permits to allow for dining on footpaths and use of the space outside of establishments.

In 2021 fees for outdoor dining permits were waived by the City of Sydney Council to help boost the hospitality industry in the wake of Covid restrictions.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore is tabling a motion to allow the special fee waivers for outdoor dining permits to be extended until June of 2025, including a fast-tracked application program.

“Waiving outdoor dining fees was one of the first things we did when the pandemic hit Sydney” Cr Moore said.

The estimated cost of the program would set council back approximately $4 million, however the mayor believes it’s an appropriate trade off. 

“People want to get out of the house and enjoy what Sydney has to offer, safely. The current fee waiver is due to expire because we no longer have health orders restricting indoor capacities and people are returning to the City, but we want to ensure this wonderful program continues.”

Over 90% of businesses say outdoor dining is essential

Restaurants, bars, cafes and cultural venues can all apply for the special outdoor dining permits, as long as it does not interfere with operations outside the space. Cr Moore said studies showed that 91% of businesses participating in outdoor dining said it was crucial to their business.

74% of businesses reportedly hired additional staff and 39% said they experienced a 20% hike in turnover.

Cr Moore said that council has supported over 500 businesses in allowing for outdoor dining options.

“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 of urban life” she said. 

While Cr Moore is calling for an extension on the fee waivers, she said that future councils should re-evaluate the policy when the time comes.

“Our efforts to help businesses should not be seen by others as an opportunity to increase rents or unfairly favour some in the community over others, so I’m not calling for the fee waiver to be permanent at this time,” she explained.

In the motion, the Lord Mayor requests that council writes to the NSW Premier and the leader of the opposition requesting that they show support for outdoor dining in the City of Sydney.