Outdoor dining fees permanently waived by City of Sydney

By Laura Box, Hospitality Magazine

All footpath and on-road outdoor dining fees have been permanently waived across the City of Sydney council area as of this week.

The City of Sydney first approved fee waivers and fast track approvals in November 2020 to support businesses during Covid. Since initiating the program, the city has approved nearly 1,000 outdoor dining applications, creating about 13,000m² of external area for outdoor dining at more than 800 businesses.

Bar Copains Owner Nathan Sasi says he iss thrilled about the initiative.

“The outdoor dining program has without a doubt been one of the best initiatives the City of Sydney has provided the hospitality industry in recent years,” says Sasi.

“It’s created so much vibrancy around the city and it’s been incredible to see guests enjoy not just our space but many others throughout Sydney rain, hail or shine.”

Bar Copains sits on the corner of Belmore Street and Albion Street in Surry Hills and has added outdoor dining along a section of the road on Belmore Street.

“The dining spaces have not only created a great external atmosphere for venues but they’ve been integral in creating an abundance of jobs for many local businesses,” says Sasi.

“We’ve also spoken to many local residents who are so supportive of the outdoor dining space – they say it’s great to see their suburbs lively and feel much safer walking around at night knowing these spaces are activating what were once quiet streets.”

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO, said waiving outdoor dining fees was one of the first things they did when the pandemic hit Sydney to make it easier for restaurants, bars, and cafes to operate while encouraging physical distancing.

“What started as cafes moving a few tables and chairs out onto the footpath has become a full blown al-fresco revolution,” says Moore. “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.

“People really embraced it, with businesses telling us they took on extra staff to cope with 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.

“It’s wonderful to see people out on the streets, connecting with each other and enjoying their neighbourhood while supporting local businesses. That’s why we’re proud to say it’s here to stay. We all want to see our city buzzing, so that’s why we offer footpaths and roadways free of charge, and work with businesses and the public to enjoy them.”

Moore said the City of Sydney’s priority is to maintain these thriving outdoor spaces while ensuring sufficient space for others, including those in wheelchairs or with prams.

Businesses interested in participating in the on-road dining program or extending their current permits should apply to the City of Sydney.