NSW alfresco dining rebates on hold until the end of summer

NSW hospitality venues won’t be able to claim alfresco rebates until the end of summer, despite over half of the NSW government’s $5000 alfresco dining rebates still available.

The state government’s $66 million Alfresco Restart Package was announced in in October in 2021 and included grants for 5000 small or medium-sized hospitality businesses to create or expand outdoor dining.

The program was implemented in mid-December when it became clear the program was a rebate with a claims process.

The program was capped at 3500 businesses in greater Sydney and 1500 throughout NSW.

By mid-January just 1813 businesses had registered, this may in part be due to government miscommunication: the program was billed as a plan to help businesses “in time for summer”.

However successful applicants cannot make a claim until late February.

Businesses can claim expenses incurred from 14 October, 2021, to 30 April, 2022.

Outfield cafes owner Caleb Maynard registered for the “grant in 2021 to spruce up his venues, however, was surprised to hear that despite being shortlisted he would not receive any further details until February.

“By then, it’s going to be way too late. The hospitality businesses will just crash and burn,” Maynard said.

Due to inside density limits, Maynard needed to expand outside with more benches available. However, without immediate funding, expansion is difficult.

“We can’t put deckchairs everywhere and take the park over, you still want people to use it to play cricket or throw a frisbee,” he said.

“In terms of extending our space, we probably won’t, but what we will do [with any rebate] is make it more attractive and more functional.”

Maynard is also wary of what a COVID outbreak will do to this business.

“We get pinged and it’s game over. That can basically happen every week for a couple of months.”

The government claims the program has been popular.

“We remain committed to supporting business impacted by the pandemic lockdowns, including the hospitality and entertainment sectors,” a government spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said almost 2000 businesses had applied for the rebates or temporary liquor licences for outdoor trade, with hundreds of applications expected in the coming weeks.

The program allows for venues to use footpaths and public spaces for dining under “exempt development” until 18 April. Landowner consent must be granted.

Hospitality group Solotel has made several applications to build alfresco areas for its venues including Darlo Bar, The Erko in Erskineville and The Clock Hotel, Surry Hills. The group is still waiting for feedback on several other venues including Goros Japanese bar and restaurant in Surry Hills and Kings Cross Hotel.

“Alfresco spaces are more integral than ever for our guests, so we are pushing as hard as we can to get as many approved as possible,” the Solotel spokesperson said.

Most venues that have registered for the rebate are in the Sydney Local Government Area (198), the northern beaches (99), inner west (78) and Newcastle (72).

Irit Jackson, 17^th January 2022