Chief Health Officer gives golf the green light - with conditions
Far North golf clubs have been given the green light to keep their courses open after 48 hours of confusion and conflicting advice.
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Far North golf clubs have been given the green light to keep their courses open after 48 hours of confusion and conflicting advice.
The region’s biggest golf clubs locked the gates and laid off staff after the forced closure of licensed venues was put in place on Monday.
The interpretation of the Federal Government’s direction meant clubs like Cairns Golf Club had to close their golf course, pro shop and driving range as they are all included in the club’s licensing boundaries.
Others, like Innisfail and Gordonvale Golf Clubs, weren’t affected and played on.
But a directive from Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young late yesterday gave golf the green light to play, provided they stuck to stringent conditions outlined by the National Cabinet, including the adherence to social distancing and mass gathering guidelines.
A spokesperson for the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation said licensed golf clubs are permitted to allow people to play golf, but can not sell alcohol or food for on-premises consumption.
The OLGR stated clubs must adhere to the following:
■ The club house and external food and drink areas are to remain closed
■ While you are permitted to sell alcohol for home consumption, it cannot be consumed on-premises or on a golf course that forms part of licensed premises.
■ The requirements of social distancing are to be adhered to while playing, i.e. at least 1.5m from the nearest person.
Members, guests and reciprocal members may purchase alcohol for home consumption where the venue is operating a takeaway service.
The memo clears the way for play to resume after days of confusion.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement of stage two restrictions on Tuesday night was seemingly black-and-white.
Among a raft of changes, social sporting-based activities were restricted.
Travel to and from golf courses would generally be considered non-essential, but Golf Australia reportedly successfully lobbied for exemption.
Early on Wednesday, a Federal Government spokesman said the measures announced Tuesday night stated community sport could not continue.
But according to Golf Australia advice released yesterday, Dr Young and Queensland Government Director-General, Department of Justice and Attorney-General David Mackie advised Queensland clubs can operate their golf courses.
Clubs could operate “ … in accordance with National Cabinets approved measures relating to outdoor gatherings which includes but is not limited to having groups less than 10 people and maintaining a 1.5m spacing,” a Golf Australia statement read.
The advice extended to licensed clubs, who would be allowed to “sell take-home liquor to their members”.
No liquor can be consumed on course.
Pro shops would also be allowed to operate but people must not congregate in the area, in accordance with social distancing and mass gathering guidelines.
Cairns Golf Club reopened briefly yesterday then shut the doors again at noon after advice from Clubs Queensland, which Cairns GC posted on their Facebook page.
“Clubs Queensland has yet to receive any formal advice on this issue from (Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation) and the CHO and we have asked,” the post read.
“Until such time as your course remains under your licensed area, please remember your club is in breach of the directives of closure under the Public Health Act.”
Half Moon Bay Golf Course reopened yesterday, while the FNQ Golf Association declared “golf will continue”.
Originally published as Chief Health Officer gives golf the green light - with conditions