Queenstown businesses considering legal action over table tax

The Queenstown Lakes District Council has ratcheted up it's fees for having tables outside, in one case restaurant owner Blair Impey's bill has gone from $3200 to $51,000. The increased bill is due to be paid on December 1st but Blair Impey said he'll be sending a legal letter to council next week and hasd been told by his lawyers he can seek a judicial review. The Queenstown Business Association said the timing couldn't be worse, with the sector struggling, and Hospitality NZ said the Queenstown fee hikes are hard to swallow. Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage spoke to Lisa Owen.