In a bid to keep Maitland's restaurant and bar scene afloat amid the industry crippling COVID-19 pandemic, Maitland City Council will relax takeaway and home delivery regulations.
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The decision follows the NSW Government's announcement licenced venues across NSW will be able to provide takeaway and home delivery services on Monday.
Cafe, restaurants and bars will temporarily be able provide takeaway and delivery without any of the usual red tape.
Maitland mayor Loretta Baker said it was a fantastic move which would help business owners maintain revenue. "We want keep small businesses and employment alive in the city. So far, they've been pretty adept in reinventing themselves and we need to support them as much as we can," Cr Baker said.
"We will be able to support them through My Maitland."
The state government announcement's comes days after the Australian Government announced a lockdown of 'non-essential services' in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus.
These non-essential services include restaurants, pubs and bars, gyms, entertainment venues and places of worship.
Maitland Council's planning and environment group manager Matt Prendergast said it was important for council to step up to help protect its local economy and business owners.
"We thought it was vital we support business ... allowing takeaway and home delivery will give a revenue stream," he said.
"The provision of takeaway and home delivery from local businesses also enables members of the public to access goods and services, and avoid exposure. So it's a win for both businesses and consumers."
Council will aim to continually update the My Maitland website so that locals know how to get behind local food and beverage businesses.