WINING AND DINING SAFELY OUTDOORS After months of offering only takeaway and delivery services, Victoria’s hospitality sector – and Local Government areas – geared up for re-opening with footpaths and car parking spaces being transformed for summer and extended outdoor dining. Increased outdoor dining and installation of “parklets” meant the state’s cafes and restaurants could be COVID safe while adding to their seating capacity. As restrictions looked set to ease in September and October, Councils stepped up their capacity to approve applications, with most establishing dedicated teams to fast track the process and waiving application fees. Introducing parklets – popularised in San Francisco – meant Councils began setting up protective bollards, planters and barriers at fashionable dining areas. City of Melbourne CEO Justin Hanney said there were hundreds of outdoor dining applications in a few weeks, or the equivalent of four years' worth of applications in normal times. “Our expanded team has assessed all applications received and will continue to take a proactive approach to every opportunity to turn Melbourne back on." "This is all about working with businesses to find creative ways to enjoy our famous food and wine culture both indoors and outside. We can't wait to welcome people back to our cafes, restaurants and bars again as much-loved parts of Melbourne,” Mr Hanney said.
At another popular eating area, all 1200 local dining venues applied for outdoor extensions or Parklets at the City of Yarra. The Council introduced special concrete bollards with coloured material covers to help keep customers safe while dining outside. In Wyndham, Mayor Josh Gilligan said the parklets were designed to offer outdoor options for diners as well as provide increased space and opportunity for customers in the transition back to normal business. “The parklets occupy previous car spaces that are not being used as frequently
The State Government established a $53 million Outdoor
due to many residents still working from home rather than
Eating and Entertainment Package to support outdoor dining,
returning to their workplace,” he said.
with more than $1 million supporting initiatives through the City of Melbourne and Government's Melbourne City Recovery Fund.
“This will not only give food outlets a financial lift, but it will increase the morale of the entire street to see people enjoying our city centres again.”
Bottom images supplied by Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay councils.
PROFILE SUMMER 2020
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