Funding helps expand Western Australian outdoor hospitality operations

Small Western Australian businesses including cafés, bars, pubs, restaurants and hotels can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to reimburse the costs of creating or expanding their outdoor operations - including the costs of things such as purchasing new furniture, lighting, weather protection, interactive play spaces and art.

Street and outdoor dining in Western Australia is anticipated to expand under the Western Australian Government’s new $5 million COVID-19 Activating Alfresco Rebate Program.

 The alfresco rebates are a key part of the State Government's $67 million Level 1 COVID-19 Business Assistance Package, allowing businesses to expand their operating footprint and for more people to dine out in a COVID-safe way.

The State Government is also progressing changes to local laws which will cut red tape and make it easier for cafés and restaurants to create street alfresco dining spaces.

Other measures announced as part of the Level 1 and Level 2 Business Assistance Package include:

• $66.8 million Small Business Hardship Grants Program, providing tiered financial support up to $50,000 for individual businesses;

• $42 million Tenant Rent Relief Scheme providing grants of $3,000 to eligible small business tenants;

• $10.7 million Landlord Rent Relief Incentive supporting eligible landlords with $1,500 - who voluntary match the Government's Tenant Rent Relief payments; and

• $3.5 million Waiver of Liquor Licensing fees. Liquor licence renewal fees for 2022 will be waived and refunds provided for businesses that have already paid. One-off fees for variations to liquor licensing to enable alfresco services will also be waived, and fees for a COVID-19 occasional permit will be waived to permit the sale of takeaway alcohol as part of a takeaway meal.

Since December, the WA Government has provided $420 million worth of COVID-19 related business support, with a total of $1.7 billion provided since the start of the pandemic.

WA Premier Mark McGowan notes "based on modelling, we know COVID-19 caseloads are starting to reach their peak and while we don't intend to keep restrictions in place any longer than we need to, we understand some businesses are experiencing declines in patronage and revenue.

"The Activating Alfresco Rebate Program is about helping small businesses expand their business footprint and having more patrons dining outdoors, which we know helps to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

Local Government Minister John Carey adds "I am a massive supporter of alfresco dining - it's a great way for businesses to expand their operations, but it also adds vibrancy and activation in our neighbourhoods.

"That's why the alfresco grants program is such a fantastic initiative - it combines the great aspects of alfresco dining, while supporting small businesses through COVID-19 and giving the community more confidence to dine out.”

For more information on the Activating Alfresco Rebate Program, visit www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/Activating-Alfresco-Rebate-Program

Image courtesy City of Perth