Seated, separated and served … sign in to dine in: new COVID rules

Restaurants, cafes and beauty clinics have some of the biggest adjustments to make as restrictions start easing. To help, a team of COVID law gurus took to shopping centres across the state.

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That was one of the biggest questions businesses were asking as they adapt to confusing, complicated and fast-changing laws governing trading during the coronavirus restrictions.

In an effort to ease anxiety for some smaller operators returning to work after more than eight weeks in hibernation, a team of COVID ambassadors were sent out on to the streets to explain some of the new rules.

Five COVID ambassadors chatted to businesses at the Hyperdome this morning explaining some of the restrictions, which were relaxed on Monday and some which came into effect today.

The hospitality and beauty therapy industries have important guidelines to follow with fines of up to $1334 for breaches.

Ambassador Paul Martyn said food venues would not go wrong if they followed the mantra “seated, separated and served”.

“Patrons dining in have to remain seated and separated and must be served their meal by staff and cannot get food from a bain marie,” he said.

Beyond Nails owner Tom Ngo said the rules had changed quickly but he felt he was up to date.

Beyond Nails owner Tom Ngo says the rules are complicated but information was widely available.

“It is still good they came here to speak to me,” he said.

“It has been tough but business is slowly picking up but nowhere near normal yet.”

Asian Eatery owner Michelle Chick said she was doing everything she could to ensure her customers were safe and it had been difficult to get everyone to sign in.

Asian Eatery owner Michelle Chick said some patrons were still unaware they had to sign in to dine in.

“It’s good to finally reopen but we have had to get everyone to sign and some people don’t like that,” she said.

“But I think it is important to stick to the rules. I don't want to get fined.”

Ambassadors Chris Kettle and Melissa Hammel dropped into hairdressers, nail salons, massage clinics, restaurants and retail outlets to explain some of the new restrictions which include only allowing 20 people in an eatery at any one time.

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“We found most businesses were across the new restrictions which only came in today,” Mr Kettle said.

“Business forums have been excellent in getting the message out and making sure their members were informed.

“We are just making sure there are no misunderstandings as it has all happened so quickly.

“We are being strict but are only fining those who are deliberately not following the rules.

Small Business Minister Shannon Fentiman said the greater the compliance the better chance there is of returning to normal operations sooner.

“It has been difficult because there has been lots of information and sometimes you just need a friendly face,” she said.

“A lot of mums and dads businesses are busy just trying to reopen and haven’t had time to read all of the information so it’s nice for them to be handed the fact sheets and get time to chat with those who know the rules.”