Eateries coronavirus recovery to be helped by planning change

Eateries will be able to expand their dining options outdoors more easily after the planning minister introduced an amendment to planning laws.

It comes as Victorian hospitality businesses are restricted to hosting a limited number of people indoors, currently a cap of 10 people per space in regional Victoria.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne announced on Wednesday that the government would remove any planning hurdles to allow hospitality businesses to expand their operations outdoors.

Mr Wynne said the government had put an amendment to the planning scheme to allow any business with an outdoor permit

He said there was "extraordinary" interest among hospitality venues looking to thrive in new ways.

"People are looking for incredibly innovative ways to ensure that they can get up and go, and ensure that their outdoor venues are appropriate," Mr Wynne said.

He suggested carparks in the evening could be one innovative way to provide outdoor space for dining.

He said the amendment would be implemented for an initial 12-month period, then reassessed.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews suggested the change may become a permanent feature of the state's dining culture.