By Daile Cross
In what seems like a 'small step for man, giant leap for Perth' type of announcement, patrons of every hospitality venue in the city will soon be allowed to consume alcohol in alfresco areas while standing.
If you have ever been scolded by security for daring to get up from your outdoor table while holding your drink due to the City of Perth's 'no standing' rule, you'll appreciate this change to the status quo.
The commissioners in charge of the City went rogue on Wednesday and went against recommendations in a report presented to them relating to outdoor dining and drinking.
The changes would excite food and beverage operators in Perth.Credit: ShotbyThom
The updated outdoor dining policy and guidelines will now allow patrons to consume alcohol in alfresco areas while standing, where the business has the appropriate liquor license.
The report presented to the commissioners also recommended venues paying fees for daring to have an outdoor alfresco area keep paying them; an application fee of $135 to open an alfresco area plus an annual fee of $125.
Another annual fee calculated per square metre of alfresco area which was between $80 to $150 (adding up to quite a bit for larger spaces) was reduced to $40psm last year.
Instead the commissioners removed outdoor area fees altogether and made it easier for food and beverage businesses to gain outdoor dining approval.
The changes will come into effect on February 1 and Chair Commissioner Eric Lumsden said they addressed the concerns of the local business community and would position the City "more competitively against neighbouring local governments."
One of the worst parts of hospitality is constantly dealing with all of the never ending rules and regulations imposed by so many different organisations
Tim McIernon
They would also make applying for approvals easier by taking the process online.
“These new measures will allow City businesses to fully capitalise on their outdoor spaces, and align the service they provide inside their establishment to their outdoor dining area,” Mr Lumsden said.
The changes are part of an effort to modernise the council's Alfresco Dining Local Law 2009 and Alfresco Dining 2000 policy.
A survey in July 2017 asked for community feedback on the future of outdoor dining.
Adam Kapinkoff of ARK Group said thriving outdoor areas created vibrancy in the city.
At the time there were more than 1400 registered food businesses in the area but less than 20 per cent of those had a registered alfresco permit.
Unsurprisingly, the respondents said there was not enough outdoor dining in Perth and they were more likely to visit a venue that offered alfresco dining.
Tim Mclernon of Three Pound Group which runs the Reveley, Stables and Camfield venues said while not every venue would have the space available to take advantage of this development, the cancellation of the fees would be of huge benefit in a tough hospitality environment.
"Any little advantage at the moment will help business and sales so this is a great move from the City of Perth to help venues have every chance to make their businesses a success," he said.
"One of the worst parts of hospitality is constantly dealing with all of the never ending rules and regulations imposed by so many different organisations," Mr McIernon said.
"It can drive you completely mad and takes you away from actually running your business. Outdoor dining makes venues look busy from the front and gives the city a great vibe."
Sneakers and Jeans boss Andy Freeman, behind venues such as Varnish on King, Hadiqa and The Flour Factory said the new direction would excite food and beverage operators.
"People attract people - being able to have drinkers and diners seen outside the venue is a huge benefit," Mr Freeman said.
"Minimising any red tape that our industry is plagued with is always a step in the right direction for venue owners."
Adam Kapinkoff of ARK Group, which boasts popular Perth venue Market Grounds among others, said the move would make outdoor dining and socialising more widespread throughout the city.
"Previously the significant cost associated with licencing, the red tape and unnecessarily onerous conditions have hampered the viability of alfresco spaces for operators," he said.
"It’s a pragmatic, common sense outcome by the COP, as patrons want to enjoy the beautiful climate in our great city outdoors."
Outdoor dining created vibrancy in the city, and took advantage of Perth's great climate.
Punters at Perth's Market Grounds enjoy the vibrant outdoor area.Credit: ShotbyThom
"At Market Grounds in Kings Square the alfresco space has been doubled by incorporating the adjoining public realm over the summer period," he said.
"Customers have absolutely loved having the opportunity to eat, drink and socialise in an inner city alfresco space throughout the week, arena events and also host gatherings and functions in that space.
"Otherwise this area would have simply been public realm; underutilised and underactivated."
Chair Commissioner Eric Lumsden said the move is a step in the right direction for the City of Perth, addressing the concerns of local businesses and the community.
Diners and drinkers want to take advantage of warm summer nights.Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Australian Hotels Association (WA) chief executive Bradley Woods said the measures would save businesses thousands of dollars per year.
“Hotels, bars and restaurants enliven our city and create a more vibrant hospitality environment by providing outdoor spaces for people to enjoy a drink or something to eat, whilst enjoying the sunshine," he said.
“The previous requirements were expensive and also unnecessarily restricted patrons from enjoying a drink while standing up in a licensed area.
“This decision removes an unwarranted cost on business and allows venues to deliver on customer expectations.”