Coronavirus NSW: Berejiklian hopes to ease large venue rules by Christmas

Large hospitality venues will likely be able to double their capacity by Christmas, Premier Gladys Berejiklian says.

Large hospitality venues will likely be able to double their capacity by Christmas, Premier Gladys Berejiklian says, after the government was slammed for its “incredibly inconsistent” set of rules for the industry.

Under new rules ann­ounced on Wednesday, small ­venues up to 200sqm in size are allowed to double their capacity by allowing one ­patron every 2sqm, instead of one person every 4sqm.

But health officials held off on applying the same rule to large venues amid fears big crowds could strain the state’s contact tracing teams if a positive case was identified.

QVB Tearooms owner Manny Spinola will not get any benefit out of easing restrictions for small venues. Picture: Tim Hunter

Operators of larger venues expressed their frustration that they have missed out on an economic boost.

Celebrity chef Matt Moran, who runs a number of larger venues across Sydney said he thought the news was “fantastic” until he realised there was no benefit for bigger pubs and restaurants.

“When I looked into it, it was completely misleading, there is not one extra person (that) can be in any of my ­venues from that announcement,” he told Jim Wilson on 2GB.

“I don’t understand. You can have a lot more people in smaller venues, shoulder-to-shoulder side-by-side. It’s ­incredibly inconsistent.”

Mr Moran called on Ms Berejiklian to ease restrictions for larger establishments now, saying there was no time to delay.

“The next four weeks in our businesses is when we try to capitalise on a busy time. Come January it goes quiet again, we are really missing out.”

Premier Gladys Berejiklian a COVID-19 update press conference. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

His views were echoed by Manny Spinola, the owner of the Grand Pacific Group, which runs a number of large venues including The Tea Room in the QVB.

“The timing is right for us to reopen, lift these restrictions and get our businesses open, employ people, and enjoy the festive season,” he said, adding applying the 2sqm rule to all venues would “create more jobs”.

Ms Berejiklian said further announcements would come “very soon” for “the entire ­sector,” declaring it was her government’s “hope and intention” that the 2sqm rule would be in place by Christmas.

However questions remain about when retail stores and other venues will be allowed to increase capacity. The ­impending changes to the 2sqm rule will only apply to hospitality venues.

“Other details of the Public Health Order are still being considered,” a NSW Health spokesman said.

Playbill Group managing director Michael Nebenzahl believes we can develop a framework to bring big international acts to Australia. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Meanwhile the operator of a Sydney music venue on Wednesday night said Australia could use its success fighting the virus to attract international acts for COVID-safe tours.

Playbill Venues managing director Michael Nebenzahl said Australia could be the next big touring destination for acts looking to escape COVID-riddled countries.

The Hordern Pavilion, run by Playbill Venues, has hosted bands like The Wombats, New Order and The Kooks.

“It’s not hard to imagine some of those bands would look at doing the trip again,” Mr Nebenzahl said.

Under the plan, bands could quarantine in luxury ­resorts before touring.

“We’re virtually virus free, with great weather and audiences that are full of their fans in good venues. What’s not to love?” Mr Nebenzahl said.

Meanwhile, rules have also been relaxed for households visits — families with backyards will be able to have 50 people over for Christmas — as long as outside space is used for household gatherings. Those without backyards can host 30 people in their home.

The change will come into effect from December 1.

The NSW government is also moving to get more workers back into the office, making a significant change to public health orders which will repeal a direction forcing employees to allow staff to work from home where reasonably practical.

Nicci Crisp and Lauren Ferguson enjoy a cocktail at the Hotel Palisade, Millers Point ahead of the new hospitality rules. Picture: Justin Lloyd

The change to NSW small hospitality venue rules comes after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced similar rules for small venues on Sunday.

Staff at venues will not count towards the maximum limit.

The impending change comes after increasing lobbying from cafes, restaurants, and hospitality heavyweights, calling for patron numbers to increase.

Restaurant and Catering Association boss Wes Lambert said that members believe doubling moving to a 2sqm rule indoors would “double their dine-in revenue virtually overnight”, and chef and restaurant owner Luke Mangan has said venues could earn up to $10,000 extra a week under increased capacity.

Zucchero Caffe Bar owner Valerio Domenici in Artarmon. Picture: Brett Costello

Outdoor gatherings in public spaces will be increased to 50 people under the rule changes.

“I hope these changes provide a boost to the hospitality industry and give people certainty in how they can celebrate safely with family, friends and colleagues over the Christmas and New Year period,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

From December 14, public health orders requiring employers to allow staff to work from home where reasonably practical will also be scrapped in a bid to get more people back into the city. Workplaces will be encouraged to have COVID-safe plans.

Hotel Palisade staff member Lauren Ferguson on Wednesday said changing to the 2 sqm rule would be “a nice little reward for venues” who have done the right thing.

“It’s just in time for our New Year’s Eve soiree,” she said.

Valerio Domenici, who runs a 40 sqm cafe in Artarmon, is also set to benefit from the change. Under a 2 sqm rule he could double the number of patrons in Zucchero Cafe and Bar.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there was still no room for complacency.

“It’s important we work together to keep the community safe; so where possible gather together outdoors,” he said.