Cafes, restaurants allowed to sell alcohol with takeaways under temporary measure
Restaurants and cafes in SA will be able to sell alcohol with their takeaway meals, to help them survive the impact of the latest coronavirus measures.
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Restaurants, cafes, small bars and clubs will be able to temporarily sell takeaway alcohol under new measures introduced by the State Government to soften the financial blow of the coronavirus pandemic on the hospitality industry.
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman has announced that from Thursday, liquor licence holders operating a small bar, cafe or restaurant will be able to apply for a free short-term licence that will allow them to sell a small amount of alcohol with their takeaway meals.
It comes after the Federal Government last night ordered the closure of restaurants and cafes.
These venues are, however, allowed to offer takeaway services.
Ms Chapman said the temporary licence aimed to help struggling businesses.
“Purchases will be limited to two bottles of wine or one bottle of wine and a six pack of beer, cider or pre-mixed spirits, and will require the same stringent responsible service requirements already imposed on takeaway liquor,” she said.
“In addition, community clubs will be able to sell any liquor for takeaway to club members and will also be able to sell alcohol to any member of the public purchasing a takeaway meal but this will be limited to two bottles of wine or one bottle of wine and a six pack of beer, cider or pre-mixed spirits.”
Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas this morning called on the Government to introduce such measures, saying Labor had drafted legislation that would allow restaurants and cafes to sell alcohol with their takeaway meals.
“We need to do everything possible to help businesses, workers and families in these unprecedented circumstances,” he said.
Ms Chapman said the measures would be in place for as long as the Emergency Management Act and Public Health Act were being enacted to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
She said further measures would be considered as the situation progressed.
“Things are changing rapidly at a state, national and international level – and we want to ensure any response we provide locally is sensible from both a public health and an economic perspective,” Ms Chapman said.
“We will continue to monitor the impact of these measures and work closely with key industry bodies to develop responses that both keep people safe and support our businesses in trying times.”