Pubs and restaurants receive extra boost under relaxed coronavirus restrictions

Pubs and restaurants across Queensland will today open their doors to up to 20 people at a time, but big venues will soon be able to serve even more people under eased COVID-19 restrictions.

PUBS and restaurants across the state will today open their doors to up to 20 people at a time under a fast tracked easing of coronavirus restrictions that will allow for big venues to serve even more people from Friday.

Annastacia Palaszczuk made the surprise announcement yesterday, revealing gyms, cinemas, places of worship, libraries, museums and art galleries will also be allowed to open to up to 20 people from today.

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The major wind back in restrictions – brought ahead by about two weeks – came as Queensland recorded no new cases of coronavirus yesterday, with only five active cases across the entire state.

The Premier announced that from lunch time Friday, large restaurants and pubs with multiple seating areas will be allowed to open to more than 20 patrons in what could be a significant boost for struggling businesses.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says Queensland can kickstart its economy as COVID-19 continues to be suppressed. Picture: News Corp/Attila Csaszar

Approved COVID-safe plans will have to be in place, and each defined seating room within the venue will only be allowed to hold a maximum of 20 people each.

The seating room must also have sufficient room to ensure there is at least one patron for every four square metres, providing enough room for social distancing.

Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland had done so well with its health response, it was now able to “kick start” its economy.

“It is making sure that we get our economy up and slowly want to see to people returning to the workforce of course where it is safe and responsible,” the Premier said.

“We are opening up Queensland in a responsible manner and we can do that because we have had such a terrific health response here in Queensland because of the great work Queenslanders have been doing.”

Under more eased restrictions that will begin from today, up to 20 people will be allowed to celebrate weddings, in addition to the celebrant and couple, while up to 50 mourners will be permitted to attend funerals.

Churches, places of worship, gyms, cinemas, libraries, museums, art galleries and theme parks will also be allowed to open their doors to more than 20 people if they have a COVID-Safe plan in place and they have sufficient room.

It is understood gyms and cinemas will have similar rules to restaurants and pubs and will be allowed to hold up to 20 people in each room or theatre.

It is expected that this rule will even apply to the foyer of movie cinemas, where customers buy tickets.

A limit of 20 spectators per field at community sporting events that have more than one field will also be permitted from today.

Up to 20 people will also be allowed to go to auctions and open homes, under the fast tracked stage 2 easing of restrictions.

Unique businesses, like zoos, will be allowed to submit their own individual COVID-safe plan to be approved by health authorities.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the low number of active coronavirus cases in Queensland meant it was “perfectly safe” to open up the economy and to “get moving again”.

But she urged Queenslanders to stay home and get tested if sick as well as to maintain a 1.5 metre distance from others and to wash their hands regularly.

She said restaurants will be allowed to serve walk up patrons, but they will have to ensure they take the contact details of all customers so authorities can contact trace if needed.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said many businesses already had COVID-safe plans in place. Picture: News Corp/Attila Csaszar

Dr Young said staff should not move from “group to group” seated at restaurants, and that processes should be put in place so patrons do not queue to go to the toilet or pay their bill.

“I’ve already seen some of them (COVID-safe plans), and they’ve been extremely well done,” she said.

“For the vast, vast majority of people, they will just be able to take the industry plan and look at it and implement that.”

Dr Young said for some businesses, like a beautician, they will only need to follow a checklist – which would include measures like increasing cleaning on touchpoints like door handles.

COVID-safe plans are expected to be finalised this week.

Ms Palaszczuk said police and councils would be enforcing the restrictions.

“Can I just say there is just such good will from industries right across our state to get this right,” she said.

“They know how important it is. No one wants to see a second wave.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said there had only been three new cases of coronavirus recorded in Queensland since stage one of the state’s roadmap kicked off on May 15.

“While some venues will need time to prepare, the confirmation of these changes will give many the confidence to reopen for dining in or to increase the number of patrons – creating more jobs,” he said.

“I ask that people be patient as businesses get ready for this new stage and understand that staff are doing their best to help you enjoy more activities and keep safe.”

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington welcomed the move to allow for more patrons in pubs and restaurants – but said it did not go far enough, pointing to the 50 person limit in NSW.

“For them (venue owners) to open their doors, they do need more patrons through the door,” she said.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland’s Amanda Rohan the easing of patron numbers and the move to allow larger venues to host more visitors was “very welcome news”.

“We all want Queensland back in business and to stay in business,” she said.

“This is a big step in the recovery of our state’s economy, but there is a long way to go.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the government to implement and progress more of the priorities we have outlined in our transformational stimulus roadmap.”

Hospitality Insdustry happy, with a serve on the side

THE hospitality industry is breaking open the champagne to celebrate the lessening of restrictions.

"We hope to have the industry back on track to recovery by Friday," Restaurant and Catering Australia chief executive Wes Lambert said.

"Our members have been blowing up my phone and email since the announcement," he said.

Emporium Hotel South Bank marketing director Philip Hancox said they were “delighted” with the announcement to open up intrastate travel and had “ terrific packages to
suit everyone”.

Husband and Wife team Karin Doldl and Frank Boulay from Periwinkle Restaurant at Peregian Beach. Picture: Lachie Millard

Boundary Hotel general manager Grant Morgan, however, said: "Once again, the Government hasn't given us any notice to prepare for these restrictions suddenly easing, similar to when the restrictions came into place.

“These unpredictable decisions … as much as the easing of restrictions are welcomed, do put more pressure on small businesses and suppliers to get everyone back up and trading again at such short notice. We can take an extra 10 bookings in our Laneway, but these restrictions make little difference in terms of us being able to fully reopen.”

Further north, Frank Boulay, the owner of Periwinkle Restaurant at Peregian Beach, said the lifting of restrictions could not have come at a better time for small business owners.

“We already missed the Easter school holiday, which is a big hit for us," he said. "So opening for winter, everyone will go out. It's good."