With pandemic restrictions pretty much all but gone, NSW residents have been enjoying outdoor dining and the government is keen to keep businesses benefiting from the influx of diners.
The hospitality industry can look forward to another 18 months of alfresco dining without the need to apply for special permits effectively cutting red tape.
Restaurants and cafes can open their premises onto parks or even car parks until December 2023 in a bid to boost punters coming through, after lockdowns and mandatory mask-wearing was the norm for many months on end.
"The temporary measures have been incredibly successful and a huge boost to the industry, so extending them will give hospitality businesses greater certainty for at least another 18 months," said Minister for Hosptiality Kevin Anderson on Friday.
"The uptake has largely been in the CBD... but we would love to see more regional venues take up this opportunity and consider permanent options that reflect the community's desire to dine outdoors year-round," he said.
Hospitality businesses can also take advantage of a $5,000 Alfresco Restart Rebate to help offset costs ahead of a chilly winter.
The government said since the outdoor dining initiative started in 2020 a total of 582 licensed venues as well as thousands of restaurants and cafes have taken up either temporary or permanent alfresco options.
