Newcastle councillors push to scrap $7000 outdoor dining fees
Liberal councillors are pushing to drop annual outdoor dining fees that cost Newcastle restaurants $4000-$7000 per year.
Newcastle's outdoor dining fees are being challenged again. Restaurant owners asked councillors to ditch them.
Two Liberal councillors will push the council to significantly reduce or scrap the charges. Smaller furniture costs $4000 per year.
Larger setups cost $7000 per year. The fees were introduced in 2023 and apply yearly.
Businesses in The Junction have complained. Hotelier Rolly de With wrote on behalf of concerned owners.
"$7000 is a substantial cost for hospitality businesses," he said. "Wages, rent, utilities and food costs are already high."
A previous attempt to abolish the fees failed in 2025. A 2026 attempt to increase them was also rejected.
- $4000
- Annual fee for small furniture
- $7000
- Annual fee for large furniture
- 2023
- Fees introduced
- The Junction
- Key businesses area
Why it mattersThe annual charge directly cuts into restaurant profits and may discourage outdoor seating that makes local dining precincts attractive.
AustraliaNewcastle restaurants could save $4000-$7000 annually if the council votes to drop these fees in Tuesday's meeting.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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