On Monday night, council scrapped the annual fee of $54.50 for every outdoor chair and reduced the price and frequency of the outdoor furniture application fee from $470 every three years to $99 every five years. 

Cache Store of Food cafe owner and head chef Renee Chambeyron said the news came as welcome relief for local small business.

“It's expensive enough to run a business as it is,” Ms Chambeyron said.

“Any reduction in cost for things like tables and chairs out the front can only help.

“Thumbs up to Wagga council for helping small business, we welcome this news with open arms.”

Ms Chambeyron, who services 24 seats on Baylis Street, said council rangers patrol the main street and issue warnings when the cafe has one too many chairs or A-frames on the footpath.

Councillor Paul Funnell instigated the change after witnessing another Wagga cafe owner on her hands and knees for three hours to measure exactly where her customers could enjoy a coffee.

“This is all about getting rid of red tape, cutting back the bureaucratic process and freeing up people's time and resources,” Cr Funnell said.

“Elements of council staff has resisted this all the way, but we've finally got it over the line.

“This is only a small step – we’re not talking sheep stations – but it sends business the message council is here to work with them, not against them like we’ve been doing for years.

“Instead of having rangers going around with measuring tapes, the intent is to leave businesses alone unless there's an issue.”

Mayor Rod Kendall was the only councillor to vote against the fee reduction, likening council’s charge on footpath space to rent.

“Effectively it's increasing their retail area, they pay good rent, why aren't they prepared to pay for outdoor chairs?” Cr Kendall said.

“But I understand the benefits for business owners and I fully support the democratic decision of council.”