Yelo Cafe has received an outpouring of support from customers after they were threatened with a $1 million fine for an alleged planning breach from the City of Stirling council.
City of Stirling planning officials commenced the legal action after investigating complaints about customer parking, and breaches of its 'takeaway' licensing agreement.
Deputy Premier Liza Harvey got behind the cafe when it was revealed planning officials had refused to mediate with Mr Pond, and instead opted to commence legal action against him.
"The council have a very heavy-handed approach when they're dealing with small business, and to be honest with you I'm really sick of it," she said.
"I'm not saying that the owner of the cafe is without fault here, but he has been trying to work with the city to get some concessions for some of the license conditions to continue to operate the way he's been operating."
Patrons have since followed suit since Ms Harvey's display of support, and rallied around the beachfront cafe.
"We have one of the best coastal areas in Australia - they should be putting the money into tourism for this area and helping the local businesses to thrive and cater for that. Stop stifling the progress and promotion of such a beautiful area!" one commenter said.
"The fact people stay as long, or longer, as 45 minutes gives you an idea of how pleasant, laid back and enjoyable it is at Yelo... Mike Pond and the Yelo team should be applauded, and probably awarded, for creating such a vibrant meeting place in the area. Not punished," another posted.
Trigg locals were critical of the City blaming the cafe for the parking issue.
"We live in Mettam Street and will support Yelo 100 per cent in this. The parking issues are minor and actually caused by poor planning from Stirling," one resident commented.
"It's not his fault his business is a success and the government hasn't helped by making additional parking! What's he meant to do, only allow five people in at any one time or make his coffee worse so people won't come there anymore?"
A petition to support the business has collected over 7000 signatures since it began in mid-2016, and continues to draw support.
Thank you @LizaHarveyMLA for supporting my local cafe Yelo. Has to be a better solution than litigation. Their coffee is to important to us!— Conrad Liveris (@ConradLiveris) February 21, 2017
