Released 22/01/2020
Local cafes, restaurants and bars that have been impacted throughout late December and January due to bushfires in the surrounding region are set to benefit from a significantly reduced upfront cost to expand their businesses.
ACT businesses that wish to trial outdoor dining will be able to apply for an outdoor dining permit with no upfront cost for 12 months, potentially saving thousands of dollars. Fees for existing and ongoing Outdoor Dining Permits, will be reduced by 50 per cent.
The announcement comes after the ACT Government hosted a tourism and hospitality industry roundtable late last week to discuss ways that the Government can support the local tourism industry during this difficult period.
The industry is one of the biggest employers in the ACT, and the Government wants to ensure that the sector can continue to grow and provide more jobs for more Canberrans. For a business renewing its outdoor dining permit of 40m2 in Canberra’s primary commercial areas, this latest initiative represents a saving of over $1200 every year.
The past few weeks have been tough for our city as people have had to stay indoors and cancel holidays, putting a strain on small local businesses. This move is a practical way that the Government can help businesses to grow and take advantage of improving conditions.
Currently there is a one-month free trial for businesses to activate the use of public space. From 1 February 2020 any new applicants for Outdoor Dining Permits will receive a twelve-month free trial.
The significantly reduced fee will apply to all outdoor existing dining permit holders. Access Canberra will work with existing permit holders to transition them to the new fee structure.
This change result in the ACT having one of the lowest fees associated with Outdoor Dining Permits of cities across the country.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases