The removal of outdoor dining fees by Adelaide City Council will activate precincts and lead to a resurgence in alfresco dining in the CBD, according to industry association, Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA).
A special meeting of Adelaide City Council’s Finance and Business Services Committee on 14 June endorsed the removal of outdoor dining fees and a cap on council rates, at the cost of $1.4 million to the Council.
R&CA CEO John Hart said the removal of outdoor dining fees will bring much needed reprieve to operators that have seen sluggish growth over the past year.
“Caf and restaurant operators are only just starting to see growth after six months of negative industry takings.
“Cafes and restaurants are the largest contributors to Adelaide’s night-time economy, employing 6,200 people and contributing $611 million to the Adelaide local government area.
“The removal of outdoor dining fees will provide much needed relief to the bottom line of these businesses. It will encourage a return to outdoor trading which in turn activates precincts, encourages greater spend in the local economy and provides greater choice for diners,” Hart said.
R&CA urges the Council to support the measure when it comes back to a full council meeting next week for final sign-off.
