Outdoor dining on the menu!

Published: 13 November 2020

Outdoor dining will be a tasty feature this summer as local hospitality businesses move to offer extended outdoor options in line with COVID-19 restrictions.

Council has been working closely with businesses throughout the pandemic, with a number of local businesses now issued permits to expand their outdoor dining onto Council land and more businesses expanding outdoor dining onto private land for which Council permits are not needed.

Expanded outdoor dining in metropolitan Melbourne was announced by the Victorian Government as part of the Third Step in the roadmap to reopening.  

Council has implemented streamlined permits and processes, is waiving outdoor dining permit fees for hospitality businesses until 30 June 2021, and has a dedicated Business Concierge line for businesses to contact and seek advice. 
 
Council is also facilitating the provision of umbrellas, and equipment including water-filled barriers to enable safer and more comfortable spaces for outdoor dining, as well as helping businesses identify the possibilities for their location. We can also provide advice on grant applications and help with fast-tracking permits.  

Local restaurants, cafes and pubs are also being offered Victorian Government funding to help them reopen to alfresco diners with COVID-safe measures in place. The Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package offers grants of up to $5000 to help businesses expand their outdoor dining operations. 

The funding is available to help eligible hospitality businesses pay for new outdoor furniture, umbrellas, barriers, screens, marquees and other equipment to allow for COVID Safe dining.  

Eligible local businesses are encouraged to contact Council to discuss their outdoor dining expansion options.  

Cardinia Shire businesses offering outdoor dining options will be promoted on the Cardinia Business Portal at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/cardiniabusiness just prior to Third Step restrictions taking effect.  

Victorian Government funding 

For grant guidelines, eligibility criteria and to apply for the Victorian Government’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package Business Grants visit www.business.vic.gov.au  

Liquor license holders may also be eligible to apply for a grant of up to $30,000 through the Victorian Government’s Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund program.  

Contact Council for more details 

Eligible hospitality businesses interested in discussing outdoor dining options are invited to contact Council’s Business Concierge on 1300 787 624 or business@cardinia.vic.gov.au  

For information on applying for Council’s Extended Outdoor Dining Permit visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/outdoordining  

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