Queenstown's alfresco dining scene may become a thing of the past.
Thursday, October 13th 2005, 7:37AM
by The Landlord
The council is proposing rent increases for outdoor tables of up to 200 percent. That could put up the cost for some eateries from about $1,200 to $3,500 a year.
Southern Lakes Restaurant Association president Tony Robertson says times are tough, with restaurateurs already paying up to $1,200 a square metre per annum in building rent.
He says everyone thinks Queenstown's streets are paved with gold, but the reality is that restaurants are being forced to close because there are simply too many.
