Fast tracking outdoor dining

Permit fees associated with temporary or extensions to footpath trading and outdoor eating will be waived by Baw Baw Shire to support local hospitality businesses.

The fees will be waived until February 28, 2021.

A streamlined application process also is in place to allow businesses to quickly expand or establish their outdoor trading spaces.

Under the current COVID-19 restrictions for regional Victoria, businesses can serve up to 50 customers outdoors per venue, with density requirements of one person for two square metres.

To assist with the application process, council has developed a pre-application checklist covering insurance, access and other key considerations.

All applicants will be required to take note of the requirements set out by the state government and implement a COVID safe plan to protect staff, customers and visitors.

To enable businesses to trade as soon as possible, most applications will be processed within three business days.

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Licencing (VCGLR) also has introduced measures to assist existing licensees temporarily use outdoor areas to supply liquor.

Existing licensees will need written permission from council to use public external or outdoor areas that are not currently authorised under the licensee’s existing permanent liquor licence.

Chief executive officer Mark Dupe encouraged local food businesses that are looking to introduce outdoor dining to contact council for support and guidance through the application process.

“We’re here to work with businesses find viable solutions to suit their needs to help them to get set up as soon as possible,” he said.