Maitland City Council Has A New Approach To Outdoor Dining

Council has recently adopted an outdoor dining policy which supports cafés and restaurants expanding onto public footpaths with an easier and free application process for businesses.
In addition, Council is taking part in a NSW trial which allows existing bars, pubs and clubs to apply for outdoor dining without requiring a development application, provided that the venue operates in accordance with any required approvals and licence conditions.
Council’s Coordinator City and Visitor Economy Caroline Booth says ‘outdoor dining can be a great way to provide more space for customers and ensure a COVID safe environment. We are eager to work with businesses right across Maitland but initially we are particularly interested in The Levee, broader Central Maitland and Morpeth to make existing dining precincts even more appealing’.
Council’s new approach means that it is free, quicker and easier to apply for outdoor dining. Applicants can expect faster processing times and support from a Service NSW business concierge, expedited through a partnership between Council and the NSW government.
The trial for clubs and pubs to expand their trading onto public spaces is available until 31 October 2021.
Applications are made via Service NSW, noting that incorrect or missing information may delay application processing times.
For more information, help or to apply, visit mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/crsb/od