Premier Steven Marshall says doubling capacity allowances for venues not easy
Adelaide’s small bars and hotels are crying out for permission to serve more customers but the Premier says the rules are relaxing as quickly as can be afforded.
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Business owners wanting to get more people in their premises will have to wait as the Premier Steven Marshall says it is not a decision that can be made lightly.
As Mr Marshall came under increased pressure to double capacity in businesses by allowing one person every two square metres the Premier said the State Government was moving as quickly as possible.
Mr Marshall told the Sunday Mail in May he would ensure Adelaide’s thriving small bar scene would not be left behind.
The Opposition has raised concerns not enough was being done for the sector.
But Mr Marshall said this morning while he understood that many of the hospitality businesses in South Australia needed to increase their patron numbers it could only be done when the health advice said it was safe.
“We are looking at it very carefully, we are moving as quickly as we can,” Mr Marshall said.
“But our ultimate obligation is to all the people in South Australia so we are listening to that advice.
“We did have some consideration of this on Friday (at a Transition Committee meeting) and I am sure it will be on the agenda on Tuesday.
“We have worked really hard with this sector to get them back and operational as quickly as possible.
“Most of these businesses did not think they would be back and operating until much later in the year.”
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Opposition leader Peter Malinauskas, who was joined by small bar owners in Adelaide this morning, said if Mr Marshall could not deliver a solution that allowed them to cater for more customers, then the government needed to back Labor’s proposals to support them financially.
“Measures like waiving council rates, waiving land tax, and stopping this year’s increase in taxes fees and charges are all moves that can ease the burden these small businesses are facing,” he said.
“Labor has also proposed a $200 million tourism and hospitality fund to support these businesses during this time.”
Mr Marshall said the Opposition leader “should be listening to the health advice rather than picking what restrictions he believes are more appropriate”.