Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) has commended the ACT government on its decision to reduce permit fees for cafés and restaurants with outdoor dining areas.
Under the policy, announced as part of the 2017-18 ACT Budget, all businesses with outdoor dining areas will be required to pay government permit fees for 11 months of the year.
R&CA CEO John Hart said that the reduced costs will act as a significant incentive for cafés and restaurants considering either establishing or expanding their existing outdoor dining areas.
“The government’s intention to reduce the cost of red tape is welcome news for more than 800 cafés and restaurants throughout the ACT and we would call on other state and territory governments to do the same.
“Scrapping a month’s worth of permit fees will encourage these businesses to set up outdoor dining areas if they have not already done so.
“We know that cafés and restaurants make a huge contribution to the liveability of cities in terms of activating social spaces and ensuring a thriving night-time economy which we are pleased to see the ACT government has recognised in this Budget.”
The Budget also announced reduced liquor licence fees to encourage diversity in the foodservice industry and promote a vibrant nightlife.
Image: WeekendNotes