A state government initiative to slash “red tape” requirements for starting cafes, restaurants and small bars has been introduced in the Georges River Council area.
Finance Minister Victor Dominello, who announced the move at Bitton Cafe in Oatley, said 30 government forms had been replaced with a single online application.
Mr Dominello said, in three other council areas where the program was operating, the business start-up time has been reduced from 18 months to three months.
Easy to Do Business is a joint initiative between Service NSW, the Offices of the NSW Small Business Commissioner and NSW Customer Service Commissioner and local councils.
It was piloted in Parramatta and expanded to the Northern Beaches and Dubbo.
“Previously cafes, restaurants and small bars had to navigate up to 75 regulations, 48 forms, 13 agencies, 30 phone numbers and an average 18 month opening time,” Mr Dominello said.
“Through the initiative, we have been able to replace 30 government forms with a single online application, which has almost halved the amount of duplicated information customers were previously required to provide.”
Mr Dominello said the program could not be introduced across all areas in one move because councils needed to embrace it.
“Councils play a critical role in relation to regulations and compliance of cafes, restaurants and small bars,” he said.
“Service NSW expects to have additional councils on board next year.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business John Barilaro said the program was “changing the small business landscape, simplifying the process for business owners to enter the highly regulated cafe, restaurant and small bars sector”.
Oatley MP Mark Coure said it was planned to expand the program to other business sectors.
For more information visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au