Enhanced outdoor dining on the menu in Frankston City
Published on 18 September 2020
Frankston City Council is eligible for up to $500,000 in funding to help support hospitality businesses as part of the Victorian Government’s $87.5 million Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package, which aims to provide enhanced outdoor dining opportunities for local cafés, restaurants, pubs and clubs.
Council CEO, Phil Cantillon said the funding would also help Council put in place streamlined permit, enforcement and monitoring processes.
"To assist businesses to reopen, we are reviewing a number of options for outdoor dining to support our local hospitality industry as the Victorian Government moves to ease COVID-19 restrictions.
“We are committed to working with traders to help identify locations for enhanced outdoor dining options. Parks, footpaths, courtyards, and public spaces are all potential places that are being considered to host outdoor events or dining,” Mr Cantillon said.
Council’s Director Communities, Dr Gillian Kay, said the sector, which has an annual turnover of more than $345 million was vital to the Frankston City economy with 655 hospitality businesses employing approximately 2862 people.
“We are determined to do everything we can to support hospitality businesses to reactivate following the easing of stage four restrictions on 26 October,” Dr Kay said.
“Locals can’t wait to get back to their favourite eatery and neither can we. That’s why our officers are working with local businesses to ensure they have the ability to trade once the current restrictions are eased.
“We will be working with businesses to discuss the provision of additional outdoor space where practical”
As part of its $6.434 million Relief and Recovery Package, Council is also offering free car parking for the first two hours in its off-street car parks to encourage locals back into the CBD.
Robert Wright, who co-owns Frankston’s Eeny Meeny Café, said he was excited about reopening his popular eatery.
“Our customers are like part of our family. We’ve been in business for eight years and we have a connected and committed community of customers,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to reconnecting with our loyal customers.”
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