Nicholas Zisti's shop front on Australia Day. Source: Supplied
Nicholas Zisti outside his cafe in Alexandria. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: The Daily Telegraph
SYDNEY City Council has backed down and withdrawn $5000 worth of fines issued to a shop owner who turned his shopfront into a giant national flag on Australia Day.
Nicholas Zisti thought he'd get into the Australia Day spirit by decorating the family business in patriotic colours and throw a traditional Aussie barbecue complete with beach sand, only to be slugged with a raft of fines for not getting consent, despite registering the event on the council and Australia Day websites.
After the story recently appeared in The Sunday Telegraph Mr Zisti said he and his mother, who own the Alexandria Food Centre, were swamped with public support and even offers of money to pay for the fines.
"Luckily common sense has prevailed and I won't have to go to court tomorrow," Mr Zisti said."I was determined to fight it but we received a letter last week informing us the council would be withdrawing the matter, thankfully.
"All I intended to do was share Australia day with local businesses and residents."
Mr Zisti said his meat supply business would continue to celebrate special events with creative decorations and community parties.
"I have a few ideas for Christmas and Valentine's Day but will check with council first," he said.
Liberal City of Sydney Councillors Christine Forster and Edward Mandla lobbied council to rescind the fines.
"Mr Zisti deserved a fair go in this instance," Ms Forster said.
"Temporary displays like this brighten our streets and build a sense of pride in our community.
"They should be encouraged by the city, not slapped with penalties without any reasonable warning. Such penalties can cripple a small business.
Ms Forster urged community members and businesses to check with City of Sydney Council before erecting any temporary signage or footpath displays.
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