Mt Gravatt Marketta could be back ‘before Christmas’: Owner Jim Gloftis
The owner of a popular weekly food event on Brisbane’s southside that has been closed since mid-March has set a likely return date as he awaits one final missing piece of the puzzle.
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The owner of a massively popular food event on Brisbane’s southside says he will be back “before Christmas”, provided the COVID-19 restrictions on dancing have been lifted.
It comes the day after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that patrons would now be allowed to stand up inside and outside venues.
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Mt Gravatt Marketta, held every Saturday night at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds, closed its doors in mid-March when the first wave of coronavirus broke on Australia’s shores and has remain shuttered ever since.
In June, owner Jim Gloftis told the Courier Mail the event may not return until the end of social distancing, if ever, but as the outlook continues to look brighter for Queensland, he has backed the State Government to continue easing restrictions.
“We think the government will announce something very soon so we can open before Christmas,” Mr Gloftis said.
The key outstanding restriction, Mr Gloftis said, is that on dancing, as the Marketta features live music prominently.
“The fines are not small” if patrons are busted dancing, he said, and it’s a risk his company can’t afford to take.
Mr Gloftis said he has been overwhelmed by inquiries as to when the Marketta would be reopening.
Earlier this week, Eat Street markets at Hamilton Northshore said it was still unsure about its timeline for reopening but would be engaging with Brisbane City Council and stallholders to put a plan in place.