Canberra loves the atmosphere and variety that comes with outdoor dining and pop-up events and as COVID-19 restrictions ease there’s never been a better time to support a local hospitality business.

The ACT Government’s recovery program is continuing with a number of bars and restaurants utilising public space to expand their footprint temporarily without additional licence fees.

Canberra went into lockdown not long after Mexican bar and eatery Loquita opened in 2021 and pop-ups and outdoor activations are a key part of encouraging people to visit restaurants and bars again for dine-in service.

Loquita will be hosting a Cointreau branded, converted Kombi van serving as an outdoor bar and eatery whipping up a range of margarita cocktails for customers paired with some delicious tacos, extending their authentic Mexican experience into Garema Place in April.

“The lockdowns have been rough for everyone, businesses and individuals alike,” says Fraser Pollard, the operations manager at Loquita.

“The Outdoor Activation Team are playing a vital role in allowing business to bounce back and create some great experiences for the public that engage them and give them something to look forward to. It’s a great initiative, as it’s been a little bit like groundhog day for the past couple of years."

“The Cointreau Kombi Van is set to add a splash of colour to Garema Place while providing a vibrant and authentic Mexican experience to Canberran’s in the heart of the city,” Fraser said.

_{The Cointreau will bring a splash of colour and delicious cocktails to Garema place}

The outdoor bar Kombi van will be stationed outside Loquita in Garema Place on 1-3 April between 12.00pm and 9.00pm each day.

The ACT Government is still offering free outdoor dining permits to support Canberra businesses with their economic recovery.

Find out more about outdoor dining permits, and how the Outdoor Activation Taskforce can help, by visiting the Access Canberra website.