‘Furious’: 2kf Espresso in Mona Vale takes on cranky neighbour as single complaint hinders trade
Thousands of coffee-lovers are angry after a cafe was forced to make major changes to its operations to keep one peeved neighbour happy.
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Thousands of coffee lovers are rallying after a Sydney cafe was forced to make major changes to its operations following a single complaint from one peeved neighbour.
2kf Espresso has been open in Mona Vale, on the city’s Northern Beaches, for 22 years. It recently received its “first ever” complaint from a single neighbour who recently moved in nearby.
The complaint reportedly stems from the early morning set-up of outdoor furniture, which the operator says takes place around 4.40am each morning.
As a result, Northern Beaches Council has threatened fines for setting up outdoor furniture until 7am.
Despite the change coming after a single complaint, almost 5,000 supporters, including a council member, have disagreed with the measure in a petition.
Louise Newall·wrote on the petition: “If you don’t like city sounds, don’t live in the city. This business has been running for years.
“If you don’t want to hear people enjoying their breakfast, don’t move in above a hardworking business.”
Alexandra Lomo added: “Long established (small businesses) should not be beholden to the whims of one or a handful of disgruntled residents who think the world revolves around them.
“Councils need to send a message that you do not attempt to change the tapestry of a neighbourhood that has been humming along beautifully up until your arrival.”
Lesley Woods, who said the cafe was her “go to” added, “It seems we should be supporting small businesses and not destroying (them).”
Owner Kristy Rempt told 2GB’s Ben Fordham program on Tuesday morning that she believed her business was to blame for other, much louder noises on the CBD street.
“They’re coming to the edge of their veranda, and they’re looking over and they’re seeing little me putting out my little tables, and they’re probably going, ‘oh, that’s her. That’s her waking us up’,” she told the program.
Ms Rempt wrote in her petition that “there is a lot happening in Bungan Street” at daybreak, including garbage collection, grease traps being emptied, deliveries to stores along the busy street, and traffic through onto the busy Mona Vale Road.
She said the requirement had caused headaches with the hole-in-the-wall cafe already stretched for space.
“If I can’t put the furniture out, my shop is so tiny, It’s like a game of Tetris trying to fit it all back in the shop overnight,” she told 2GB.
“So if I can’t bring my chairs and tables out and put them on the pavement, I can’t get the customers into my shop. So it’s a lose-lose situation.”
2kf’s plight has already found friends in high places. The local state parliament member said he was “furious” about the Council’s notice.
“I am furious. I mean, councils and governments need to stop bullying and intimidating small businesses like 2kf – you’ve got one complaint against a business that’s been there for over two decades,” Rory Amon, the Liberal Member for Pittwater, told Fordham.
“The fact that Council would come in and effectively threaten to shut down this small business in a cost of living crisis is, quite frankly, astounding.
“We’ve got potholes that need filled, we’ve got sports fields that aren’t up to scratch, and Council is piling on resources and the weight of its bureaucracy on a small business owner.”
Northern Beaches Councillor Michael Gencher also supported the business.
“2kf Espresso and all local businesses need the support of the council,” he said, sharing the petition.
“This is about council finding solutions for local businesses, not problems.
“Now is the time for our council to step up and become a true partner to the small business community.”
Northern Beaches Council said it is “exploring all available opportunities” and “working with the business and residents to find a suitable resolution for all, including the early morning noise issues”.
Originally published as ‘Furious’: 2kf Espresso in Mona Vale takes on cranky neighbour as single complaint hinders trade
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