New South Wales hospitality businesses have received some good news as the year draws to a close.
Temporary measures which enabled venues to sell alcohol with food orders to go are slated to stick around for good, with the government set to usher in new laws regarding takeaway alcohol sales.
“The disruption of the pandemic allowed us to experiment with how the planning system can work better to drive productivity. We’re now securing those benefits in perpetuity,” said Planning Minister Rob Stokes.
“We know the pandemic has spurred new ways of living, working and playing, and the planning system must support those shifts and allow our communities to live better lives.”
According to stats from the Restaurant and Catering Industry Association (R&CA), takeaway sales now account for around 30 per cent of all sales, indicating that Australians are continuing to dine at home even though lockdowns have lifted.
Prior to the pandemic, takeaway sales were around the 8 per cent mark.
“This is a clear indication that things needed to change, and the NSW government has delivered on this,” said Wes Lambert, R&CA CEO.
“Picking up a takeaway meal from your local with six pack of beer, a bottle of wine or your favourite cocktail should be easy.
“The hospitality industry commends the NSW government for this forward-thinking reform.”