Maitland council rolls out out new, faster outdoor dining permit system

Maitland City Council has introduced its Outdoor Dining Policy that will allow businesses to submit a 10-minute application through the online MyCouncil portal, intended to speed up approvals and reduce red tape.

Council will also waive the one-off $145 application fee until September 16 to encourage businesses to take advantage of the new permit system.

Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said he hoped the policy would help businesses expand their footprint and cater to more customers, particularly during the warmer months.

"Outdoor dining adds life to our streets and gives the community more opportunities to enjoy our cafes, restaurants and bars," he said.

"Businesses can now set up outdoor dining more easily, while council ensures public spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone."

Director of city planning Trevor Ryan said the policy aligned with the government's Vibrancy Reforms.

"This approach supports local hospitality and will help create more vibrant and liveable precincts across Maitland," he said.

The new policy was developed after the Service NSW's state-led outdoor dining trial and program, which Maitland participated in from 2017 to 2024, was discontinued.

Businesses interested in offering outdoor furniture for patrons can apply with a detailed site map, legal and compliance documents and clear photographs of the frontage.

To be eligible, they need $20 million in public liability insurance and they are required to keep all furniture within the approved area, maintain safe, functioning furniture, keep footpaths and roads clear and manage waste, minimise noise and close on time.

The permit will last for five years, unless cancelled earlier. The initiative is part of Maitland's new Economic Development Strategy.

According to council guidelines, outdoor furniture was not allowed to be left on the footpath outside of trading hours and must be stored inside business premises.

If a business wants a permanent outdoor structure, applicants must consult with council before submitting an application, with approval given case-by-case.

In 2023, the City of Newcastle introduced a policy to allow food businesses to leave furniture outside permanently for a $4000 to $7000 fee.

Newcastle was the first NSW council to provide an option for permanent outdoor furniture in public areas.

Multiple hospitality venues slammed the fees as "money-grabbing" and business owners said they seemed exorbitant and discouraged them from pursuing outdoor dining.