The City of Greater Geelong is encouraging local businesses to come up with clever and creative ideas to either begin or expand their outdoor dining experience.
Under the 'Third Step' of regional Victoria's roadmap to reopening, indoor and outdoor dining is permitted in hospitality venues.
There is a maximum of 50 patrons allowed outdoors, with up to 20 people to be seated inside.
The City is on hand to provide support to businesses that are seeking to activate their outdoor spaces.
We have waived all outdoor dining fees and our free Business Concierge service can quickly assist traders through the required application process.
A range of detailed information is available here.
The City encourages traders to work with their neighbours and come up with proposals that are supported by all businesses in their precinct.
Council has already delivered an Economic Support Package to waive costs for alfresco dining permits, A frame permits and food premises registrations.
Further COVID-19 support initiatives will be considered in the coming days.
We also encourage hospitality businesses to seek available grants of up to $5000 from the Victorian Government's Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package.
These grants could assist with purchasing practical items such as umbrellas and furniture to assist with the move outdoors.
The City will apply for $500,000 from the same Victorian Government package to help waive permit fees and provide upgraded public infrastructure.
More information on regional Victoria's reopening roadmap is available at www.vic.gov.au/restrictions-roadmap-regional-Victoria
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher
The Council is keen to see businesses develop shared ideas that will assist their wider shopping strips and precincts. The City's economic development team is ready and willing to come up with the best solutions for traders and to fast-track to consideration of applications. With all outdoor dining fees waived and our Business Concierge on standby, we're here to get businesses serving outdoors as soon as possible.
