VINCENT mayor John Carey wants to abolish alfresco licensing fees, saying it makes no sense to put businesses through the rigamarole and expense of applying for permits given they’re helping liven up the place.
It costs $73 to apply for a yearly permit and $88 per sqm used, but Mr Carey says “what we find is it’s really the inconvenience factor” that stops businesses from bothering.
“What we want to see is … if you’re going to do something within the standard parameters of alfresco then you wouldn’t need to come and get approval for us.
“We want to see a system for cafes, retail, any business, so they don’t have to come to council to put out chairs, planter boxers or alfresco tables.
“Activating streets is good, it adds to vibrancy, it’s good for business… it encourages people to linger longer and that’s what we want.
“It’s not just about cafes, that’s what I love about many overseas countries: retail shops, laundromats will put a couple of benches out front. They’re not trying to sell food, they’re looking to create an experience outside their shop.
“The role of local government should be as a facilitator to activate our streets and make them vibrant, not this hardline regulator that tries to trip businesses up.”
The same idea had been floated across the border by Perth city councillor Reece Harley in his unsuccessful lord mayoral campaign.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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