The NSW Government recently made changes to the liquor regulation and planning requirements to allow councils to streamline planning approvals under the alfresco dining trial. The department hopes to support local venues and allow businesses to expand their outdoor dining into areas such as public spaces, footpaths or parking bays until 31 October 2021. This will allow venues to better utilise public areas around their premises while remaining COVID-safe.
Randwick Council are already committed to the trial, with many more councils willing to participate in the program. Streamlined alfresco dining approvals with be available from 1 December, giving businesses an opportunity to reopen their doors and capitalise on this program.
During the trial, councils will review venues applications for alfresco dining in accordance with outdoor dining policies and guidelines. The licence for the outdoor dining area would also need to comply with Liquor and Gaming NSW and any licence conditions under the Liquor Act 2007. The City of Sydney LGA and The Rocks are not included in the amended legislation and are subject to separate processes.
Should you require any advice as to how the Alfresco dining may work for your business, please do not hesitate to contact Tony Schwartz on (02) 8383 3777 or by email: tschwartz@bsv.com.au
For more information please refer to the links below:
Amended Regulation - https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/epi-2008-0572
Guideline -
https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/alfresco-dining-on-the-table-for-nsw
https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/outdoor-dining-trial-available-to-nsw-councils