There has been significant community comment about the significant expansion of outdoor drinking and dining in front of the Royal Hotel in Burke Street. The whole of the lawn area is now taken up by tables and seating.
Outdoor dining is a well established part of Vincent Street and in the past a outdoor drinking and dining on a section of Burke Square was broadly accepted by the community, leaving space for public use of the lawn area.
The more recent expansion has resulted in a number of comments in social media and it is important that there is an appropriate balance between business interests and public amenity in the use of public space.
Outdoor dining contributes to a local vibrant community and benefits hotels, restaurants and cafes, but that has to be balanced against equitable use for free and open use of public area. This includes the the management of rubbish that attracts pests, pedestrian access and the effect of noise and visual clutter.
Council is now preparing to complete a comprehensive review of its Outdoor Dining and Trading Policy over the next six months, which will include the opportunity for community and businesses to help shape the policy.
While this process is underway, permits will continue to be issued in line with the current policy.
