Marshall flags rise in venue admissions restrictions

There have been concerns that 20 people in the one place at the one time is not enough. And it seems the government have been listening.

• Pubs want 50 or more people
• Steven Marshall announces road map to normality
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Pubs, clubs, churches and gyms could be filled by more than 20 people at once when restrictions are lifted on June 5.

The State Government is expected to allow scores of businesses to host more than 20 people as part of stage two of the freshly updated road map to normality.

It is working hard on a blueprint to accommodate the hospitality and retail sectors – and boost customer numbers.

It comes as confusion continued over what venues could open to serve alcohol from this Friday.

Premier Steven Marshall has told The Advertiser a “cookie-cutter” approach to capacity numbers in venues was not the answer to get the economy moving.

He has given his strongest indication yet that his plan would allow pubs and clubs, churches and gyms more than 20 patrons at a time as long as they could prove it was safe.

“I think it will be the best in Australia by far,” he said.

“Other states will be sticking to strict caps, irrespective of the circumstances of the business. We are sitting down with all industry sectors to understand their specific circumstances. We are moving away from the cookie-cutter approach towards a nuanced approach, which reflects each business’s ability to reduce risk and maximise patrons.”

Mr Marshall acknowledged there was confusion over what types of businesses could serve alcohol and which could not.

While some restaurants can serve alcohol from tomorrow, others cannot depending on the form of liquor licence the venue holds. But Mr Marshall stressed the picture would be much clearer in a fortnight, when all licenced premises would be able to serve alcohol – with conditions.

“People will be seated at tables, most likely accompanied by a meal, but the days of standing at the bar are not here yet,” he said. “We still have some time to go on that one.”

The State Government on Wednesday brought forward easing of restrictions from June 8 to June 5 for a raft of venues and enterprises including cinemas, gyms, galleries and funerals.

Despite the possibility to open earlier in time for the long weekend, the Art Gallery of South Australia and SA Museum plan to reopen on June 8, with limits on the total number of people admitted and smaller limits within particular spaces.

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But cinema chains and major theatres have no dates set to reopen for the near future, despite the easing of restrictions, with many smaller operators arguing it was not economically viable.

The National Association of Cinema Operators, which represents major chains including Village Roadshow, Hoyts, Event and Reading cinemas, has also confirmed it “will not be possible to reopen” until big Hollywood studios release films they have postponed.

The Adelaide Festival Centre, which operates the Festival Theatre, Dunstan Playhouse, Space Theatre and the newly expanded Her Majesty’s on Grote St, is still working with SA Health to determine a safe and viable time to reopen its venues.

Some of the state’s major gym chains will reopen – but with strict new protocols to ensure social distancing can be maintained.

A number of tattoo studios and beauty saloons The Advertiser spoke to also indicated they would reopen on June 5 – with a raft of new hygiene protocols.