The Devonport City Council’s COVID-19 Response Committee has waived licence fees for existing food businesses from 1 July 2020.

It is the latest measure by Council aimed at financially supporting the community through the Coronavirus pandemic.

Previous support announced by the Committee includes:

• The late payment of 30 April rates instalment to incur no penalties if paid by 30 June
• The expanded suspension of Council car parks and street meter fees to include parking permit holders
• Waiving ground fees to sporting clubs until further notice and;
• A commitment to pay suppliers within 14 days to improve business cash flow

Committee Chair Cr Leon Perry said the waiving of licence fees would cost Council about $40,000 next financial year.

“While that is a significant amount of money, particularly at a time when Council’s own budget is being negatively impacted, Council understands that many of these businesses will be seeking to get back on their feet after a prolonged period of limited activity,” he said.

“The last thing Council wanted to do was to burden them with a fee soon after they had, hopefully, got permission to reopen their doors and trade as they did prior to pandemic.”

Cr Perry said food business would still need to be registered to ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.

There are three types of food business registrations. The standard registration applies to cafes, restaurants, takeaway shops, supermarkets, school and sporting club canteens, bed and breakfasts, catering activities, home occupations and other similar businesses while food vans and food stalls also require registration.

Mayor Annette Rockliff said Council would be considering a Hardship Policy and other supportive initiatives at its meeting on Monday night.

“Council continues to look at ways it can support the community in an economically sensible manner,” she said.

ENDS

Media Contact

Nigel Tapp |Media & Communications Officer Devonport City Council

03 6424 0562 | 0427 132 972 |[email protected]