MILDURA Rural City Council says it will support local hospitality businesses to safely serve diners outdoors under third step restrictions, which come in to effect from Wednesday night.
Tourism and economic development portfolio councillor Mark Eckel said the council wanted to help restaurants, cafes and food outlets start operating again as soon as possible.
“We know the coronavirus pandemic has hit the hospitality sector hard – with cafes, restaurants and other food outlets facing a series of challenges due to restrictions and shutdowns,” Cr Eckel said.
“These businesses are vital to our economy – they employ locals and help make our region vibrant, busy and viable.”
Under the third step of the Victorian Government’s “roadmap” to reopening, hospitality businesses will be required to mainly serve patrons outdoors with group limits of 10 people and other physical distancing requirements.
Cr Eckel said the council was working with hospitality operators and industry representatives including Mildura Regional Development and Mildura City Heart to plan appropriate approaches to outside dining.
“We’re keen to explore options that will suit individual operators and give them their best chance of reopening and staying open,” he said.
Concepts being considered include extending footpath dining space and exploring options that would allow more flexible use of space in these areas.
“We know we need to act quickly and ensure operators are able to make the most of the eased restrictions,” Cr Eckel said.
Local cafes, restaurants and other hospitality business operators have been encouraged to contact the council to discuss options.
“Our local business operators have faced this pandemic head-on and it’s been incredible to see them adapt to the changing conditions,” Cr Eckel said.
“Those conditions look set to change yet again and we want to support them as much as possible.”
The council has already thrown its support behind the hospitality sector by waiving 2021 food premises registration renewal fees for up to 601 premises in the Mildura region.
Renewal fees for footpath trading permits — which include outdoor dining furniture — have also been waived for 2021.
