Proposed Change to Outdoor Dining Fees

Businesses who operate outdoor dining facilities serving food and/or drinks on public space are encouraged to have their say over the council’s proposed change to outdoor dining fees.

The council is recommending to change the basis for calculating outdoor dining fees from a per chair basis to a per square metre site basis from 1 July 2010 to simplify administration.

The proposed change aligns with the council’s new street trading policy for the provision of outdoor dining facilities, which was brought in last year to provide businesses with clearer and more consistent guidance.

Stakeholder feedback during the consultation period for the policy focused on the need to set an easy-to-understand fee structure across the city which is administratively simple and based on cost recovery.

The current street trading licence fee for outdoor dining is $70 per chair. The proposed new licence fee is $50 per square metre, plus an initial registration fee of $130. Businesses with an existing outdoor dining licence will not have to pay the registration fee.

Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, says the council has worked closely with stakeholders in the hospitality industry to develop the new fee structure.

“We have listened to the views of businesses operating outdoor dining facilities and believe that the proposed changes help to improve transparency of council decision-making regarding the issuing of street trading licences.

“Moving to a square metre basis will also clearly delineate the area of footpath available for street trading to ensure there is adequate space for pedestrians,” says Mr Moyle.

The council is seeking feedback on the proposed fee change as part of a number of changes to the regulatory fees and charges for various services carried out by the council.

Consultation on these changes begins on 19 February 2010 and closes at 5pm on 19 March 2010. The detailed consultation documents and information about making a submission are available at all Auckland city libraries, on the council’s website www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/annualplan, or by calling 09 379 2020.

Ends

© Scoop Media