Sydney mayor extends outdoor dining permit waiver

A fourth COVID wave has led City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore to further protect hospitality venues by making it easier for them to keep their doors open.

The council will continue to waive fees for outdoor dining permits – a move it will extend to June 2025.

The council has already sacrificed $5.7 million in revenue and will now lose a another $4 million.

As long as restaurants, cafes, bars and cultural venues meet eligibility requirements they can apply for an outdoor dining permit on the footpath or on the road space outside their venue.

“With the threat of a new Covid wave and ongoing economic uncertainty, there is a continuing need to encourage outdoor dining,”  Moore said.

“We need to continue to support businesses during this time and ensure alfresco dining is embedded in the streets of Sydney.”

The mayor also warned landlords not to hike up rents.

“Our efforts to help businesses should not be seen by others as an opportunity to increase rents or unfairly favour some in the community over others,” she said.

27,869 people across NSW were diagnosed with Covid-19 in the week ending November 17 and people have been urged to work from home and wear masks.

Jonathan Jackson - 24-11-22