City of Hobart fast-tracks COVID-19 business support package

Published on 10 January 2022

The City of Hobart has fast-tracked its new COVID-19 support package by waiving fees charged to restaurants, bar and cafe owners for the use of public spaces as outdoor dining areas until the end of March 2022.

It has also waived application fees for businesses wishing to create or expand COVID-safe outdoor dining areas for the same period.

"We feel the pain and anxiety suffered by the Hobart community and business owners as we all learn to deal with the spread of Omicron," City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said today.

"To support business owners and help them protect staff and customers we are waiving site fees charged for the use of public space for outdoor dining and other business activities in COVID-safe environments until the end of March.

“We are also waiving application fees for the next three months for restaurant owners, bar and café operators who want to expand outdoor dining opportunities.

"This support package will save individual businesses money when they need it most, as well as helping to create new spaces in which people can stay connected, see friends and family while supporting our local businesses."

The move is part of a raft of planned measures aimed at helping the Hobart community, small business operators and the arts community respond to the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

The City has also installed additional outdoor seating and benches in Wellington Court, Elizabeth Street Mall, Franklin Square and along Murray and Collins streets to help people spread out and be COVID-safe during their lunch breaks. 

"Over the coming weeks we will work closely with the State Government and other key organisations to roll out further measures to support local businesses and help the community feel safe as we learn to live with the spread of Omicron," Cr Reynolds said.

"We encourage everyone to follow public health advice by wearing masks, socially distancing, washing your hands frequently and making sure you are fully vaccinated."

• Application fees for businesses wishing to amend existing outdoor dining permits or apply for a new permit will be waived from 1 January 2022 until 31 March 2022.

• Site fees will be waived from 1 January 2022 until 31 March 2022 for existing operators, and for those businesses who want to establish an outdoor occupation area for the first time, or want to expand their current area. 

• The City of Hobart will communicate with all current permit holders directly in regard to these changes.

• Permits require outdoor dining facilities ensure pedestrians can continue to move easily along footpaths and do not impede safe and convenient access.

See Permit to occupy a public space for full details of the changes.