A new taskforce to look into outdoor dining scene for summer

A new taskforce is bringing NSW government agencies together to activate the State’s outdoor hospitality spaces, making approvals for alfresco dining and drinking easier and faster to get.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government is keen to work with venues to better use open spaces to help generate business and create jobs. The taskforce will include representatives from:

The taskforce will include representatives from:

• NSW Health
• Liquor & Gaming NSW
• The Office of Local Government
• The Office of the Small Business Commissioner
• NSW Police
• Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
• Transport for NSW
• NSW Food Authority

“This group of alfresco architects will look into streamlining existing legislation, so we have a pilot in place before summer, as well as long-term solutions where it makes sense to standardise the outdoor drinking and dining scene. A default safe alfresco culture should be the norm,” Mr Dominello said.

Representatives on the taskforce will work closely with local government, who have the lead role in identifying the right spaces and considering their use within frameworks for public safety and amenity.