Wellington's bars and restaurants say the inner city desperately needs a spruce up for their businesses to stay afloat.
They say increasing supply costs and waning customer numbers are causing more eateries to shut up shop, and the council hasn't made life any easier for them.
They're pinning their hopes on consent and licensing processes being streamlined, which the mayor has promised to do.
Sean Golding owns five restaurants and bars in Wellington.
He spoke to Corin Dann.
