Townsville pubs hit capacity in reopening after COVID-19
People across Townsville are frothing as a small number of pubs opened for the first time in months after strict COVID-19 restrictions shut them down leaving many without work.
Townsville
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People across Townsville are frothing as a small number of pubs opened for the first time in months yesterday after COVID-19 restrictions shut them down, leaving many without work.
Tom’s Tavern was at capacity yesterday, with people wanting a parmy or steak and a few coldies.
Venue manager Anthony Robertson said opening day had been “really busy”.
He said the pub was practically booked out on the day, reaching the 10-person limit and spacing them 1.5m apart.
“It was a really great feeling knowing we would be opening the doors,” he said.
“We have 23 people on JobKeeper at the moment, they’ve been counting down the days to come back.”
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He said all would be getting their jobs back as restrictions eased.
Mr Robertson said staff would have their temperatures checked at the start of their shift to assure customers.
Pubs across the state closed their doors on March 23, leaving many thirsting for a beer on tap. But some continued to sell food through the likes of Uber Eats.
Mr Robertson said it was a relief to have customers back in the venue.
While Tom’s Tavern may look different with social-distancing measures in place, Mr Robertson said he and his staff had made it their mission to make customers feel welcome.
He urged people to book ahead online to secure a 90-minute slot for either lunch or dinner and a couple of “responsible” drinks.
Mr Robertson said the tavern was operating over shortened opening hours, opening noon-3pm Tuesday to Saturday for lunch, 5-8pm Tuesday and Wednesday for dinner, and 5-9pm Thursday to Saturday.
Tom’s Tavern was one of a handful of pubs in the Australian Venue Co’s group to reopen in North Queensland yesterday, along with Hotel Allen in North Ward.
Hotel Allen will also once again be offering accommodation for visitors.
The Royal Hotel and Mansfield Hotel, also part of the group, will reopen once stage three of the State Government’s road map is in place, allowing up to 100 in the venue.
The Dalrymple Hotel and Vale Hotel opened on Monday, and would also be offering accommodation. Customers are urged to book ahead.
An ALH Group spokesman said the Kirwan Tavern, Upper Ross Hotel, Irish Finnegans and Coutts Commercial Hotel would reopen when it was “economically viable”.
Originally published as Townsville pubs hit capacity in reopening after COVID-19