City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has announced new measures to help Sydney restaurants and bars keep their doors open.

As part of the Stage 1 Business, Arts and Creative Support Package, outdoor dining fees have been waived for the next six months.

Clover Moore said in a statement: “If restaurants, cafes and bars have space to put chairs outside to maintain their service, we encourage them to do so.”

“We will not charge them for use of the footpath or fine them for not having a permit.”

Sydney businesses will also have access to rent relief, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Twenty-five million dollars has been spent on the support package, with new initiatives to follow.

“This is the first of our financial support measures and we are now working on a second stage of our support package, targeting those in the creative, arts and entertainment industries and developing a small business quick response grants program,” Clover said.