The
City of Greater Geelong is encouraging local businesses to come up with clever
and creative ideas to either begin or expand their outdoor dining experience.
Under
the ‘Third Step’ of regional Victoria’s roadmap to reopening, indoor and
outdoor dining is permitted in hospitality venues.
There
is a maximum of 50 patrons allowed outdoors, with up to 20 people to be seated inside.
The
City is on hand to provide support to businesses that are seeking to activate
their outdoor spaces.
We
have waived all outdoor dining fees and our free Business Concierge service can
quickly assist traders through the required application process.
A
range of detailed information is available here.
The
City encourages traders to work with their neighbours and come up with
proposals that are supported by all businesses in their precinct.
Council
has already delivered an Economic Support Package to waive costs for alfresco
dining permits, A frame permits and food premises registrations.
Further
COVID-19 support initiatives will be considered in the coming days.
We also
encourage hospitality businesses to seek available grants of up to $5000 from
the Victorian Government’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package.
These
grants could assist with purchasing practical items such as umbrellas and
furniture to assist with the move outdoors.
The
City will apply for $500,000 from the same Victorian Government package to help
waive permit fees and provide upgraded public infrastructure.
More
information on regional Victoria's reopening roadmap is available at www.vic.gov.au/restrictions-roadmap-regional-Victoria
Greater
Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher
The
Council is keen to see businesses develop shared ideas that will assist their
wider shopping strips and precincts. The
City’s economic development team is ready and willing to come up with the best
solutions for traders and to fast-track to consideration of applications. With
all outdoor dining fees waived and our Business Concierge on standby, we’re
here to get businesses serving outdoors as soon as possible.