Open letter to Premier from 22 Adelaide pubs and bars pleads for restrictions to be eased
Publicans have written to the Premier saying draconian, double-standard restrictions are causing “economic, social and psychological harm”.
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Draconian coronavirus bans on struggling licensed venues is causing irreparable “economic, social and psychological harm”, owners warn.
A group of 22 bars and pubs joined forces to raise “growing concerns” about the double standards of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions on Adelaide’s pubs, clubs and small bars.
The group, a cross-section of CBD venues, on Wednesday wrote to Premier Steven Marshall and senior government officials urging an immediate easing of hospitality rules, especially for drinking while standing and nightclub dancing.
They warned restrictions were enforced without “adequate explanation … justification, without provision of a timeline for review and in the absence of objective measures for success or failure”.
They called for a more pragmatic approach to help a recovery ahead of a “narrow window” before the industry’s quiet period early next year.
Government officials said they were spending more than $2 billion in “economic stimulus measures” to support businesses.
The public intervention came a day after the Transition Committee declined to change COVID directions, which currently ban standing-up drinking indoors or dancing while consuming alcohol.
Seated drinking is allowed as is standing-up drinking outdoors while dancing and drinking at private functions of up to 150 people is permitted.
In their open letter, the owners laid bare their costs despite venues acting in good faith during the pandemic, operating under half capacity and complying with all restrictions despite six months of no mystery cases.
“It can no longer be claimed that harsh trading restrictions are either a proportionate response or a requirement for preventing infections,” they wrote.
“What they are producing is real and demonstrable economic, social and psychological harm.
“They are damaging businesses, delaying our city’s recovery and making temporary unemployment permanent.”
“When full-contact sports are permissible but standing up in a bar is prohibited, it is clear that policy is being made in the absence of a logical risk assessment.”
Owner of the Hindley Street-based Bank Street Social, Shaun Campbell, said the industry was desperate. “It is already pretty dire for a lot of businesses,” he said.
Chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier warns “high-risk activities like traditional nightclubs continue to pose a significant risk”.
In May, Mr Marshall vowed to ensure the viability of Adelaide’s once-thriving small-bar scene would be a key part of the post-pandemic recovery.
A State Government spokeswoman said the committee “looks at these restrictions regularly” while officials were aware of the impact on business.
She said it was “absolutely imperative we listen to the health advice – it has got us this far and we are the safest state, in the safest nation as a result”.
“Every decision this government makes is to ensure South Australia is safe and strong,” she said.
SA Health on Wednesday recorded one new coronavirus case, a man in his 30s, who returned from overseas on Monday.
He is among eight infectious patients recovering in quarantine in the Pullman Hotel, Hindmarsh Square.
