Council to scrap $1000 outdoor dining bond
LISMORE City Council has decided to scrap a $1000 bond for small businesses who wish to make use of outdoor dining.
Lismore
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LISMORE City Council has decided to scrap a $1000 bond for small businesses who wish to make use of outdoor dining.
The $1000 bond was part of Council's Outdoor Dining Policy. adopted in February 2013, and is held by Council as security for damage that may occur to footpaths.
However, several local licensees said they were not aware of the bond and the $1000 expense was an extra financial burden that made it tough for small businesses just starting out, and so Council has resolved to abolish the bond and refund all bonds already paid.
Manager Economic Development Mark Batten said outdoor dining encouraged an "improved and positive CBD experience" and so by abolishing the bond council were taking a proactive measure to eliminate any financial impediments for businesses wanting to have outdoor dining.
"The Lismore Business Plan 2013-2016 encourages outdoor dining to achieve an attractive sense of place in the CBD," he said.
"This small change in the policy could have significant impacts and be the difference as to whether small businesses decide to take that next step and begin outdoor dining.
"The more we can facilitate businesses to create beautiful outdoor spaces and dining opportunities for visitors and residents, the better it is for our economy and city as a whole."
In November 2014, Lismore City Council signed the Small Business Friendly Councils Charter, which sets out a number of benchmarks Council must meet to foster and support small businesses.
The Small Business Friendly Councils Program is a first for Australia, giving councils willing to make small business a priority the opportunity to be recognised as 'Small Business Friendly'.
NSW Business Chamber Northern Rivers Regional Manager John Murray said removing the $1000 bond for outdoor dining was a great example of a simple, practical measure that will have tangible benefits for small business.
"While in the scheme of things the bond may seem small, I can assure you it can be a significant amount for some struggling small businesses," Mr Murrary said.
"This reflects Council's desire to be small business friendly. This is a case of Council listening to business and getting rid of unnecessary red tape."
Any queries about establishing a new business or making changes to an existing business: Phone Mark Batten on 1300 87 83 87.
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