Guide for local governments
The State Government announced the Level 1 COVID-19 Business Assistance package on 24 February 2022. The package includes $5 million to encourage and support small businesses in expanding their operation to alfresco dining. It includes an outdoor dining support package, which is a rebate scheme for small hospitality businesses.
There are ways in which local governments can support efforts to activate alfresco dining, and reduce the risk of COVID-19 in our communities. The guidelines below show local governments how they can promote safe socialisation.
Promote the rebate of up to $5000 available towards eligible costs associated for hospitality businesses to establish, expand or improve their alfresco settings.
Businesses are eligible for a one-time rebate of up to $5000 through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) for the establishment, expansion or improvement of alfresco settings.
As the tier of government closest to local businesses, local governments are encouraged to share and promote this initiative with their communities through social media channels, newsletters and other methods of communication.
Interested businesses should be referred to the program details below.
Suspend certain local law and policy provisions to enable outdoor dining.
Most local governments regulate the use of outdoor spaces through policies and local laws. To make it easier for businesses, local governments may consider waiving certain provisions in existing policies and local laws to enable outdoor dining.
Consistent with COVID powers introduced in 2020, local governments can suspend part of their local laws under Section 10.4 of the Local Government Act 1995 through a resolution of council.
Local governments are encouraged to allow alfresco dining to operate on a short-term, temporary basis without approval under certain circumstances.
To do this, local governments may consider suspending certain policy and local law provisions and adopting a policy position that allows alfresco dining, where:
Local governments are encouraged to relax requirements to allow temporary alfresco dining in expanded areas like reserves, parklets and other spaces adjacent to hospitality businesses under certain circumstances.
To do this, local governments should consider suspending certain policy and local law provisions and adopting a policy position that allows alfresco dining, where:
The department has modified its Extended Trading Permit application processes to make it easier for businesses to acquire a liquor license for their expanded alfresco areas.
Local governments are encouraged to advise businesses of this initiative when engaging regarding alfresco approvals and/or grants.
Interested businesses should be referred to the details below.
Extended Trading Permits for liquor licensing in alfresco areas