The City of Sydney will extend the waiving of outdoor dining fees until 30 June 2025.
The measure is meant to help cafes, bars, restaurants and cultural venues recover from the COVID-related downturn in trade and, as well as waiving fees, offers a fast-tracked application process.
It was introduced in May 2021 and had been due to expire in June 2023.
Venues can apply for an outdoor dining permit outside their venue, as long as it does not interfere with bus zones, 50km/hr roads, clearways, emergency parking, no stopping zone, cycleways or fire hydrants.
From 30 April 2023 businesses will have to make an application to continue on-street dining. In making the announcement Council noted that “demand for on-street parking is high”.
Council said The City had supported over 500 businesses to trade on footpaths and on roadways as part of the program, with over 4,460 square metres in footpath space approved for alfresco dining. Its survey showed that 91 per cent of participating businesses reported the program was crucial to their business.
