Jack & Jill’s dining parklet removed
Adelaide City Council has removed the outdoor dining parklet at Jack & Jill’s Bar and Restaurant on Pirie Street, citing more than A$34,000 in unpaid permit fees across two financial years.
The removal, carried out on Sunday, follows ongoing negotiations between the council and venue operator Tom McLean, who expressed his disappointment over the outcome.
“This was never about not paying fees, it was about a justified approach that was fair for both business owners and the Adelaide City Council,” McLean said. “While I am heartbroken at losing my parklet, my business will continue to fight to survive.”
The council introduced parklets—converted street carparks—to support local hospitality operators by creating expanded outdoor dining areas. Businesses pay a fee equivalent to the foregone parking revenue, along with an additional parklet charge.
McLean has urged the council to consider a more equitable fee structure, highlighting discrepancies in what some businesses have been asked to pay.
Adelaide City Council CEO Michael Sedgman said the authority had made repeated efforts to reach a resolution with Jack & Jill’s.
“Council’s preference was and always had been, for Jack and Jill’s to renew its parklet permit, pay outstanding fees and continue operating the parklet,” Sedgman said.
“However, the permit had expired and, despite repeated contact and offers of a payment plan by council, fees totalling over $34,000 across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years remain unpaid by the operator, during which time the parklet has continued to operate in the public realm unlawfully.”
Sedgman added that several other hospitality venues continue to operate their parklets in compliance with council requirements.
Jonathan Jackson, 4th June 2025
