Randwick City Council is making it easier and cheaper for cafes and restaurants to apply for footway dining permits.

Following a review, Council identified 29 ways to improve the process. These changes are expected to slash the time it takes to assess applications by 90%, from 101 days down to just 11 days, and reduce costs for businesses by $5,800.

Mayor Philipa Veitch welcomed the changes, saying they will streamline the application process for businesses and encourage more outdoor dining.

"We want to make it simpler and faster for our local businesses who want to provide outdoor dining,” she said.

“Outdoor dining helps activate our town centres adding vibrancy and a sense of place. It contributes significantly to the character and economy of a location.

“This review has slashed the red tape and costs previously faced by businesses,” Mayor Veitch said.

The review found that the previous process involved 39 steps and took anywhere from 90 to over 350 days in some cases.

Key changes now in place include:

• eliminating the need for existing food and drink businesses in residential areas to submit a Development Application for adding footway dining (bringing it into line with NSW State Government planning controls that already permit footway dining without a DA);
• enhancing awning safety through ongoing communications to building owners, reducing the red tape burden on food and drink operators; and
• removing the need for a security deposit.

The changes streamline the process for applicants, with dedicated Council Place Coordinators helping businesses through the required approvals under the Local Government Act and Roads Act.

This is a win for businesses – reducing cost and time taken for approvals – but still retaining sound compliance checks to ensure the ongoing amenity of nearby residents and safety of the general public.

"We expect these changes to cut application processing times by up to 90% and reduce expenses for businesses by $5,800," Mayor Veitch explained.

The Council is also introducing standardised seating plans to simplify applications, eliminating the need for detailed table and chair specifications, which will save businesses time and money.

The changes came into effect on 1 July 2024. For more information on applying for footway dining, visit the Randwick Council website.