A popular cafe has revealed the ridiculous amount of money its local council charges every year so it can have an outdoor dining area.
Market Lane Cafe in Manly, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, posted a sign in its window explaining they were charged $21,000 to place seats and tables outside.
The cafe’s owner explained that while councils in the CBD suspended this fee to help boost business, the Northern Beaches Council has not to do so.
‘Outdoor Dining Fees,’ the sign reads.
‘The Northern Beaches Council charges $21,000 p.a for market Lane Cafe’s outdoor seating.
‘Meanwhile, the City of Sydney has waived outdoor dining fees till 30th June 2025. ZERO outdoor dining fees to support local businesses.
‘NB Council’s outdoor dining fees structure should be sustainable to encourage alfresco dining.’
One customer posted a photo of the sign on social media where others were left outraged at the ridiculous operating cost.
The owners of Sydney’s Market Lane Cafe, in Manly, posted a sign to their window calling out the Northern Beaches Council for charging an annual $21,000 outdoor dining fee
Locals accused the council of not helping businesses in the area.
‘Our small businesses are closing down right, left and centre,’ one person wrote.
‘The council should be doing all they can to support them, not be charging them exorbitant fees.’
‘And they wonder why there’s so many empty shops… they’re greedy,’ another said.
‘What an absolute joke,’ a third said.
Market Lane Cafe’s owners had previously thanked their local community for helping to keep the place 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 businesses closures, sky high rents and other overheads but the people we see everyday make it worthwhile. It’s the genuine connections that we are truly grateful for today in our little corner of paradise.
‘Thank you for supporting our independent small business in one of the toughest business environments. Talk to your favourite small business owner to see how they are coping.’
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said she understood ‘the challenges faced by small business owners’ but defended the fee.
‘The outdoor dining fees for commercial use of public land in the Northern Beaches Council area are comparable with other metropolitan local government areas and based on advice provided by a qualified, independent valuer,’ she told Yahoo.
‘In considering the recommended fee structure for use of public land, we are always mindful of promoting a balance between public access, ratepayer interests and support for commercial activity.
‘Council did remove outdoor dining fees during the two years of COVID to assist businesses to survive during those turbulent times. However, as the business landscape is changing it is fair to charge for businesses making money on public land.’
The Northern Beaches Council’s outdoor dining fee is unique to each venue and is calculated on a per square metre rate.
Location, amenities and foot traffic are believed to be considered by the third party before a final cost is determined.
Daily Mail Australia contacted Northern Beaches Council and Market Lane Cafe for comment.
