But Hail Mary on the cards
Northern Beaches Council voted to remove outdoor dining at Rollers Bakehouse’s in Rialto Lane, Manly, following a nine-month trial which determined a pedestrian safety risk as the lane is used by delivery trucks.
However, a notice of rescission by councillor Vincent De Luca has given Rollers until 16 September when the seating will be discussed again.
No harm to pedestrians or diners was recorded during the trial, though there were reports of damage to bollards. Cr De Luca said these were damaged by delivery trucks prior to Rollers opening seven years ago.
Rollers owner James Sideris said there were 21 bollards in the whole of Rialto Lane, and not all were relevant to Rollers. “I think the ones that have been damaged are the ones damaged by Coles trucks, which can’t take the corner properly. There are nine bollards along the stretch of offices and shops and none of them have been replaced in the last nine months.”
Council told Rollers early last year it could not have outdoor seating.
“They said, ‘You can’t put seating out here’ – even though it’s been out here for five or six years,” said Mr Sideris.
For the trial, Rollers had to abide by a simpler outdoor furniture layout and remove pot plants. “It’s basically stools up against the wall,” said Mr Sideris. “(Previously we had) a couple of smaller stools around a little table.”
Manly Business Chamber has expressed support for Rollers, campaigning for outdoor dining fees to be scrapped as is the case in the City of Sydney.
Manly MP James Griffin said that council should be supporting local business after securing ‘one of the largest rate rises in history.’
“The least they could do is support Manly’s outdoor dining culture and small businesses, not strip them back,” said Mr Griffin. “I urge those who voted for this nonsense to reconsider their position.” He said Manly’s outdoor dining fees were some of the highest in Australia and that council should consider reducing them.
The Saga Group runs four Manly businesses and pays $48,615 annually for outdoor dining.
“This is the hardest winter we have ever experienced and every dollar counts,” a spokesperson for Saga said. “The streets are quiet, and businesses are suffering. Having tens of thousands go out of our pockets in exchange for tables outside really hurts.”
Mr Sideris said ‘less bums on seats’ would affect his revenue and he will be ready to ‘fight his corner’ on 16 September.