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Melville slashes alfresco fees in bid to boost use of outdoor spaces

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Josh ZimmermanMelville Gazette

CITY of Melville has slashed its alfresco dining application fees in an attempt to encourage local businesses to utilise their outdoor space.

Fees are now fixed at $240 per annum regardless of proposed alfresco area size.

The application fee is $110, with annual renewals set at $55.

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Melville deputy mayor Cameron Schuster said lower fees would invigorate local businesses and boost their potential for revenue by attracting more customers.

“Making the alfresco dining permits cheaper will help to create a more vibrant and connected community, which is one of the City’s key aspirations,” he said.

“Perth’s beautiful weather is ideal for outdoor dining and local businesses can expect an increase in customers if alfresco dining areas are provided, giving customers the chance to bask in the sunshine during the day or feast under the stars at night.

“Pop-up food stalls, food trucks and food markets continue to grow in popularity, showing a trend in outdoor, casual dining. For our local businesses to compete with this trend, attractive alfresco dining facilities could be the way to go.”

The move comes after an early review of the City’s Strategic Community Plan, which suggested residents wanted the City to focus on growth and prosperity, in particular increasing the variety of local eateries, especially cafes, within walking or cycling distance from home or work.

Councillor Schuster said an increase in alfresco dining facilities would help achieve the City’s vision of a more vibrant, better connected and sustainable community.

“Non-food related businesses can also expect to see future incentives and opportunities to further boost the vibrancy of our community by creating place-making areas outside of the traditional bricks and mortar businesses,” he said.

For more information and to apply for an alfresco dining permit call 9364 0666 or visit www.melvillecity.com.au/alfrescopermit.