Waverley Council has approved a new outdoor dining and extended trading hours policy in a bid to make the local government area an even more vibrant and connected community.
This week’s Strategic Planning and Development Committee meeting voted in favour of new guidelines that make it easier for businesses to thrive by cutting regulation and encouraging place activation.
“Outdoor dining is a big part of what locals and visitors love about Waverley and Council is moving to enhance our support for greater vibrancy and activation,” said Mayor, Will Nemesh.
“Our local businesses play an essential role in creating the exciting atmosphere that’s unique to popular Waverley places like Bondi and Bronte, and we want them to thrive.”
Among the changes, footpath seating guidelines will be easier for business owners to navigate with the removal of a requirement to adhere to a seating plan.
Operators will no longer need to comply strictly with the National Construction Code, which currently sees the number of outdoor dining seats/patrons rigidly calculated based on sanitary facilities.
The minimum distance that seating can be from the kerb will be reduced for seating next to roadways. This will increase the space available for footpath seating whilst ensuring adequate access to parked cars.
In addition, trading hours will be extended to 6am to 10pm in commercial areas, up from 7am to 9pm currently.
“We want to support businesses and help them thrive because we know that vibrant and connected communities benefit everybody,” Mayor Nemesh said.
“This part of the world is famous for amenity. These changes will provide an incentive for businesses to help boost the local atmosphere.
“These changes are more accessible and better suited to the needs of local businesses,” he said.
