The Australian Capital Territory Government has reduced permit fees ACT for cafes and restaurants with outdoor dining areas.

Under the new policy, businesses with outdoor dining areas will only be required to pay permit fees 11 months of the year.

Restaurant and Catering Australia (R&CA) CEO John Hart said the reduced costs would act as a significant incentive for cafes and restaurants to establish or expand existing outdoor dining areas. He said the policy was welcome news for more than 800 cafes and restaurants throughout the fees ACT for cafes, and called on other state and territory governments to do the same.

“Cafes and restaurants make a huge contribution to the liveability of cities in terms of activating social spaces and ensuring a thriving night time economy,”  John said, reiterating he was pleased the ACT Government had recognised this.