Glass pods were set up in seven car parking space on Sturt Street outside Europa Cafe, Higher Society and L'Espresso in January, with another pod in front of three businesses on Armstrong Street.

The pods were hired and installed temporarily as a way to allow businesses to expand their patron capacity under COVID-19 restrictions and are due to be removed after Easter.

City of Ballarat mayor Daniel Moloney said council wanted to hear from businesses and community members about their thoughts on the future of outdoor dining.

"One of the things that came out of COVID was a different way of thinking about things," he said.

"We are keen to find out from the public whether they want to see this as an ongoing feature of Ballarat's entertaining and outdoor dining scene."

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The outdoor dining pods were fully funded by the Victorian Government.

Businesses made an expression of interest for outdoor dining support to council.

Cr Moloney said the selection for the location of the two pods was made based on collaboration of businesses and having the widest possible support.

He said the pods were implemented quickly as a pandemic response, whereas in normal times it would take months to run consultation on whether community would support the loss of parking.

"We had some feedback initially about the loss of parking being a concern... but the business community said this is a small sacrifice we need to make because we need the space," Cr Moloney said.

"Anecdotally it seems as though they are regularly being used and busy, but now it would be good to hear from the community whether they want it to remain ongoing.

"One of the good things that has come out of this pretty awful situation is it is forcing people to think a bit differently about their spaces."

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Europa Cafe manager Josh Haire said the pods had allowed them to expand their capacity and it added a good 'vibe' to the street.

"I think we would like something a bit more permanent to cater to customers," he said.

Higher Society owner Rhys Jeffrey said the loss of car parks had caused a significant drop in their morning and afternoon Skip coffee sales, but the pods had boosted capacity on busy weekends.

"I would love a bit more outdoor space for our customers with coverage but at the same time there would have to be something in the sense of parking," he said.

"It is the pros and cons we have to weigh up for us to survive, especially as a new business, but if there is give and take and we meet half way, that would be good."

Visit mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au/ballarat-outdoor-dining-community-consultation to give your feedback.