Outdoor living is a big part of our culture on the Central Coast and where appropriate, local hospitality businesses are encouraged to expand their dining area and take it to the footpath!

Central Coast Council is making it easier for businesses to apply for outdoor permits by putting together a step by step guide on its website.

Council’s Unit Manager Economic Development and Project Delivery, Jamie Barclay said it has been great to see the innovative ways that local businesses adapted in response to COVID this year.

“Whilst restrictions continue, we will continue to support local businesses and help them to trade at their highest capacity - whilst keeping their staff and customers COVID-safe. Our online guide can help businesses identity suitable footpath areas and leads them through the application process for outdoor dining,” Mr Barclay said.

“We’re encouraging businesses to also consider extending their trading hours, where permissible, to take advantage of what is set to be the region’s busiest summer season yet.”

Council’s Administrator Mr Dick Persson AM said Central Coast businesses deserved to have a boost of business after a challenging year.

“Local business have been hit hard by the global pandemic and we are looking forward to the much needed economic boost the holiday season’s influx of visitors will provide to businesses in our region,” Mr Persson said.

In addition to the expected record number of visitors to the Coast, many locals are planning a ‘stay-cation’ this Summer so now is a good time for businesses to review their COVID-19 Safety Plan and be prepared for the increase in patronage.

For some businesses completing the COVID-19 Safety Plan and registering with the NSW Government as COVID Safe is compulsory under Public Health Order.

To help keep your staff, our community and visitors safe, Council encourages all Central Coast businesses to:

1. Prepare a COVID-19 Safety Plan, or review and update your existing plan in anticipation of increased trade.
2. Register with NSW Government as a COVID Safe business and show your commitment to staff and customer safety by displaying your COVID Safe badge online and at your premises. For more information on how to become a COVID Safe business and for resources such a planning templates visit NSW Government.
3. Keep up to date with the NSW COVID-related legislation that applies to your business and keep your COVID Safety Plan up to date.
4. Share your COVID Safety Plan with existing and new staff and ensure they are trained to act in a COVID safe way and aware of mandatory and legislative requirements.
5. Keep being innovative to adapt your business model. In addition to extending trading hours or applying for outdoor dining approvals or other outdoor permits, consider offering online and contact-less purchasing and let your regulars know about it, encourage locals to visit outside of peak times with loyalty programs or value add promotions.

Other helpful links for businesses owners and operators:

• For COVID safe business planning resources and helpful links for hospitality and tourist facing businesses visit Destination NSW.
• The NSW Government also provides a ‘Business Concierge’ service for small businesses impacted by the NSW bushfires and/or COVID-19 (coronavirus) to guide you through changes to regulations and the assistance available to small businesses.

For more information on outdoor permits and how to apply, go online to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au