Al fresco dining is now costing Casey traders a significant amount more, after the council increased fees to have outdoor settings.
By Bridget Brady
CASEY traders have been hit with a dramatic increase to their bill for the cost of offering al fresco dining.
The move has angered some Cranbourne traders, who say it is a step backwards in their attempt to attract more outdoor dining in the town.
During the 2009/2010 budget, Casey council decided to set a fee of $85 per outdoor setting of one table and four chairs. Previously, traders said they had paid about the same amount for a single permit for all of their outdoor dining.
Cranbourne’s Racetrack Cafe owner Aris Kypraios said his business was one of only very few that offered al fresco dining in Cranbourne.
“And we’re trying to up the ante a little bit here,” Mr Kypraios said.
“Cranbourne desperately needs it and desperately needs more quality outlets in the main street to keep the people here rather than going elsewhere.”
But council’s manager of community safety Caroline Bell said it was common practice for councils to charge per table setting, and Casey’s fees were still reasonably priced compared to other municipalities.
Berwick Village Chamber of Commerce president Harry Hutchinson said the owners of larger cafes and restaurants in the village would have their costs increased significantly.
High Street in Berwick had a reputation for its many dining spots, Mr Hutchinson said, and thought the increase could have been introduced in stages.
The owner of Shanikas in Berwick, Nino Catrucco, said his bill would increase from $66 to about $500.
“I’m happy to pay more as long as the money is used to keep areas nice,” Mr Catrucco said.
Former president of the Narre Warren Chamber of Commerce Bob Burns said the increased fee was a “rip off”.
“I think it’s a very negative action and personally I don’t think it’s helpful. It is not encouraging commerce,” Mr Burns said.
“It just seems to be a massive grab for money.”
Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Judy Davis said the fee was a “shame” for Cranbourne.
“We believe it is going to put a dampener on people who want to have tables outside,” Ms Davis said.
Ms Bell said the money would be used for any necessary beautification works.
