Outdoor dining trial available to NSW councils

The trial supports local businesses to expand their outdoor dining onto areas such as footpaths and public spaces until 31 October 2021.

The City of Sydney and areas such as The Rocks and Darling Harbour are already involved in the trial, with venues benefiting from increased business and the community enjoying dining out in a COVID Safe way.

Learn more about the trial and how to join on the NSW Government website.

Running a safe outdoor dining area

All venues participating in the trial need to have an updated COVID-19 Safety Plan in place and follow the latest Public Health Orders. Recording customer information digitally is now mandatory, and businesses must record customer contact details using QR codes or other electronic methods.

Venues also need to comply with their usual liquor licence conditions, including their usual patron capacity, and any conditions that specifically apply to the outdoor area.

When operating outdoors the usual regulatory obligations apply, venues should consider:

• Do all staff involved in the sale and supply of alcohol have their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification?
• Is drinking water available for free to all customers when alcohol is sold or supplied?
• Is food available at all times when alcohol is sold or supplied?
• Are there procedures and controls in place to prevent intoxication?
• Are there procedures and controls in place to stop intoxicated customers from entering a licensed area?
• Are there procedures and controls in place to prevent alcohol being sold or supplied to an intoxicated person?
• If an intoxicated person is found in the venue, what steps will be taken to remove the customer from the venue?
• Do all liquor promotions comply with the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)?

Liquor & Gaming NSW may request the venue's Plan of Management is updated to include how the outdoor area will be managed.

Learn more about the trial on the NSW Government website.