A popular cafe has revealed the ridiculous amount of money its council charges each year to have an outdoor dining area.
Market Lane Cafe in Manly, on Sydney’s northern beaches, put a sign in their window explaining they were charging $21,000 to put seats and tables outside.
The cafe owner explained that while CBD councils have suspended this fee to help boost business, Northern Beaches Council does not have to.
“Rates for outdoor dining,” the sign says.
‘Northern Beaches Council charges $21,000 a year for outdoor seating at the Market Lane Cafe.
‘Meanwhile, the City of Sydney has waived outdoor dining fees until June 30, 2025. ZERO outdoor dining fees to support local businesses.
“NB Council’s outdoor dining fee structure must be sustainable to encourage outdoor dining.”
One customer posted a photo of the sign on social media where others were outraged by the ridiculous operating cost.
The owners of Sydney’s Market Lane Cafe in Manly have put a sign in their window denouncing the Northern Beaches Council for charging a $21,000 annual fee for outdoor dining.
Locals accused the city council of not helping businesses in the area.
“Our small businesses are closing left and right,” one person wrote.
“The council should do everything it can to support them, not charge them exorbitant fees.”
“And they wonder why there are so many empty stores… they’re greedy,” said another.
“What an absolute joke,” said a third.
The owners of Market Lane Cafe had previously thanked their local community for helping keep the venue open in August 2023.
“Owning a hospitality business in the heart of Manly is not for the faint-hearted,” they wrote on social media.
‘So many business closures, sky-high rents and other overhead costs, but the people we see every day make it all worth it. It is the genuine connections that we are truly grateful for today in our little corner of paradise.
‘Thank you for supporting our small independent business in one of the most difficult business environments. Talk to your favorite small business owner to see how they handle it.’
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said she understood ‘the challenges facing small business owners, but defended the fee.
“Outdoor dining rates for commercial use of public land in the Northern Beaches Council area are comparable to other metropolitan local government areas and are based on advice provided by an independent, qualified valuer,” said. yahoo.
‘When considering the recommended fee structure for the use of public lands, we are always mindful of promoting a balance between public access, taxpayer interests and supporting commercial activity.
‘The council removed fees for outdoor dining during the two years of COVID to help businesses survive during those turbulent times. However, as the business landscape is changing, it is fair to charge companies that make money on public land.’
Northern Beaches Council’s outdoor dining fee is unique to each venue and is calculated per square metre.
lThe third party is believed to consider location, amenities and foot traffic before determining the final cost.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Northern Beaches Council and Market Lane Cafe for comment.