Cafes, cosmopolitanism and red tape

Cafes epitomise local culture as social hubs, an expected feature of a liveable city This paper outlines the influence of government policy and its red tape on both hindering and flourishing the growth of cafes in Sydney, Australia and their influence on the cosmopolitanism of the city. Previous research has focused on an historical approach and the social impact of cafes with little research comparing this impact to changes in government regulations. By an analysis of historical literature, government documents and sociological comment, this paper will add a richer understanding of the influence of Sydney cafes on urban lifestyle. Key findings indicate there were many influences that developed Sydney's caf culture such as European migration and overseas travel. Changes in government regulations such as the introduction of flexible opening hours, outdoor seating and caf liquor licences were slow to be implemented, delaying the cosmopolitanism of the city and lead to cafes creating their own rules.