SA government doubles density limits for indoor hospitality settings

South Australia has taken another step towards recovery with the relaxation of density limits in hospitality venues, but operators say the measures do not go far enough to help struggling businesses.

South Australia has taken another step towards recovery with the relaxation of density limits in hospitality venues, but operators say the measures do not go far enough to help struggling businesses.

Starting from midnight, indoor seated density limits doubled from 25 to 50 per cent, while elective surgery for children was also allowed to resume. The outdoor limit of 50 per cent will remain the same.

The requirement to QR code check-in at retail venues has been removed, but checking in will remain mandatory at hospitality venues and high-risk settings such as hospitals, aged care facilities and gyms.

There were five deaths recorded in South Australia on Friday — all aged in their 80s — and 1856 new cases, the lowest number since the beginning of the year.

The number of patients hospitalised dropped to 285, including 24 in intensive care and four on ventilators.

Mr Marshall said the decision to relax restrictions was made based on the ability of hospitals to handle the state’s current case numbers, and a further review would be undertaken in two weeks.

Premier Steven Marshall said a further review of restrictions would be undertaken in two weeks. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“We’ve been told by the hospitality sector that we needed to get to 50 per cent capacity to get them back to viability,” he said.

“Obviously they would like higher densities and they will be possible down the track but we’ve got to do this in a staged way so that we don’t have a second wave in South Australia.”

The move was cautiously welcomed by Business SA, who branded it “a step in the right direction”.

“I implore all businesses in the city with staff working from home to start encouraging them back into the office too,” he said.

“Meanwhile, we await further announcements about stimulus and support packages from the state government, as many business owners have told Business SA that trading conditions over recent months have been the worst since the onset of Covid two years ago.”

Hospo Owners Collective co-founder Simone Douglas said Mr Marshall was only “half-listening” to the industry, with 50 per cent density limits unlikely to save venues at risk of closing down.

“We said 50 per cent was the bare minimum to break even,” she said.

”The failure to bring back standing consumption, dancing and function exemptions has basically told two-thirds of the industry that they are still in a shadow lockdown with no end or hope in sight.”

Leading Adelaide restaurateur Simon Kardachi said he welcomed the increase in capacity but said for many venues it was “too little, too late”.

“It’s certainly uncanny timing with the Fringe and Festival kicking off mid-February,” said Mr Kardachi, who owns CBD restaurants including Fugazzi, Osteria Oggi and Shobosho.

“Ultimately, until city workers return, density limits will make very little difference. We need more people to start working back in the city. The government only permitting 25 per cent of the workforce to return to the CBD does not help.”

Kelly Markos, a spokeswoman for more than 100 SA wedding venues and suppliers, said the Premier had given “no thought” to the wedding industry, with standing consumption and dancing still banned.

Kelly Markos said the Premier had given “no thought” to the wedding industry. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Emma Brasier

“Thousands of small event suppliers like florists, DJs, photographers, celebrants and more are still left without any income as weddings continue to cancel and postpone at record levels,” said Ms Markos, who owns Utopia @ Waterfall Gully and Glanville Hall.

“It feels as though this tiny loosening has been made basically to keep us quiet – but without a roadmap or guidelines or milestones to when we might be able to operate as normal, it’s starting to feel like too little, too late.”

Australian Hotels Association SA chief executive Ian Horne said it was disappointing the industry has been deemed higher risk and will still require QR code check-ins.

“I’m not sure that the Government truly understands the plight of hospitality businesses or the thousands of jobs and hours trashed,” he said.

“The expectations of greater hospitality freedom and flexibility in two weeks time is overwhelming and must be followed through on by Government.”

A direction updated Friday stipulates that visitors to residential aged care facilities and Forensic Science SA must have already had their booster shot — not just have a booking.