Call to expand Uber Eats south past the Berrimah Line

STRUGGLING Darwin businesses can’t afford to give a third of their profits to Uber Eats, says hotelier Guy Dunne

Uber Eats will not be operating outside the Berrimah Line

STRUGGLING Darwin businesses can’t afford to give a third of their profits to Uber Eats, says hotelier Guy Dunne.

Mr Dunne, who runs the Beachfront Hotel and Humpty Doo Tavern, says if the “commissions are right” he’ll consider using the popular food delivery service across his venues when it launches in July.

“We’ll just have to approach it with caution,” he said.

“If there is a trial and the commission structure is favourable we’d be looking at looking at it.

“There’s some horror stories of Uber taking 35 per cent in commission.”

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Mr Dunne said if the service just encouraged Darwinites to stay home and order in, rather than visit eateries, it would not be good for the local economy.

“Business is pretty tough around Darwin at the moment,” he said.

“I don’t there think there’s too many businesses who can afford to give a third of their income away.”

A map showing the areas that Uber Eats will deliver to in Darwin when it begins operating in early July

People in the Darwin CBD and the surrounding suburbs will be able to order in, but those living past the Berrimah Line aren’t so lucky.

“Darwin’s a small place I don’t know why it’s so restricted,” he said.

“I’m sure there are businesses in the suburban areas that will take advantage of it.”

Palmerston Regional Business Association president Wayne Zerbe echoed the same message.

“We’ve got a lot of good eateries in Palmerston,” he said.

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“I think it’s a good idea they practice in Darwin, and then expand into Palmerston.”

Mr Zerbe wasn’t worried that the Palmerston region wasn’t included in the initial rollout, but said he cautiously welcomed the announcement.

“I do think it’s good,” he said.

“It gives other food outlets more opportunities.”