Beer garden backdown could force pub to decrease outdoor dining space

Merivale owned pub, Vic on the Park could be forced to decrease its outdoor dining once Sydney emerges from lockdown after the local in Marrickville council knocked back its application to convert its carpark into a permanent beer garden.

In August, Inner West Council voted to allow businesses to use public spaces such as car parks for outdoor dining and live performances, but council staff are now concerned about the parking, traffic and noise impacts of the proposal.

A spokeswoman for the council said on-site parking for licensed venues was required under local planning rules.

“The development assessment team is liaising with the applicant to address the issues and reach a suitable outcome,” she said.

An online petition has received over 9000 signatures to “save” the beer garden.

A Merivale spokeswoman said they were “surprised that there have been barriers to the beer garden’s approval,” considering hospitality operators were encouraged to create outdoor dining area.

“We want to see the beer garden become a permanent fixture at Vic on the Park, so we can keep providing a COVID-safe outdoor environment for our guests to enjoy. 

The spokeswoman also added there wasn’t much need for a car park as “most of our patrons are locals, so can walk, ride a bike or jump in a ride share, which makes the beer garden a much better use of the space for the community.”

Irit Jackson, 5^th October 2021