Move over Melbourne, Nelson Bay has designs on being an alfresco mecca.
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Port Stephens Council has waived the fees Nelson Bay cafes and restaurants would normally pay to put tables on the footpath.
And while Magnus Street already has its share of alfresco dining, supporters say it could easily handle more.
“I’ve got 100 seats inside but everyone wants to be out here,” Nigronis restaurateur Tania Vlachos said.
“[But] if this street was in Melbourne, it would be packed.”
Mrs Vlachos said she paid about $2000 each year to use the footpath.
And the business, she said, had invested much more to install retractable awnings and planter boxes, along with quality tables and chairs.
“Dropping those fees might just encourage some of the other businesses to invest some money like we have,” Mrs Vlachos said.
“People love it out here.”
Port Stephens Council resolved to waive the fees at its meeting last Tuesday.
The mayor, Cr Bruce MacKenzie, said he brought the matter to council’s attention after a recent walk along Magnus Street.
“We get something like $18,000 a year in fees from these businesses and it’s a pittance.
“For some time, at least, we should waive them – businesses are doing it tough.”
Cr John Nell wasn’t as enthused.
“It’s a good idea but we need that money to clean the footpath,” he said.
“[Maintenance] money is hard to come across in Nelson Bay. This isn’t that smart, once you drop the fees it becomes harder.”
The deputy mayor, Cr Chris Doohan, said the solution was simple.
“The responsibility and cleanliness needs to rest with the storeholders,” he said.
Cr Sally Dover said it was a worthwhile trial.
“This doesn’t mean we have to waive the fees every year,” she said.
“But this will be a good shot in the arm for business.”
Cr Steve Tucker said it was a small sum to forgo to get a great return.
“For council, $18,000 isn’t a lot in our budget, but it means a lot to restaurants,” he said.
“It could make the difference between expanding, or employing an extra staff member.”
Cr Paul Le Mottee said Taree had reaped great benefit from footpath sales events.