Coronavirus 2020: Eased restrictions bring normality back to Broadbeach Tavern

With a cold beer in hand, Gold Coasters toast to the easing of stage 3 COVID restrictions and celebrate a sense of normality at the pub.

EASED restrictions brought back a 40 year tradition for a pair of lifelong friends.

Mates Rob Forsyth, 63, and Stephen Bird, 61, toasted the eased restrictions at the Broadbeach Tavern, a location that the friends have created many memories at.

“I live upstairs and I was desperate for this place to reopen again and to be able to have a beer,” Mr Forsyth said.

“We’ve been going here for 40 years, we’ve seen it all over that time, from the Brisbane Bitter girls and when this was the Broadbeach International.

Enjoying a drink at the Broadbeach Tavern served by staff member Claire Smidt-Thompson are, Stephen Bird, Rob Forsyth and Peter Stevenson. Photo: Scott Powick

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“It makes such a difference being able to get your beer over the bar, it provides some normality back into life.”

On holiday from Mackay, Mr Bird said he was delighted to catch up with his mate and reminisce.

“This place has a lot of history for us, we’ve been coming here for years on and off, and we have shared many drinks,” he said.

“We used to share a beer or two after the local surf carnivals and the Australian titles, and we continue to come here and do that.”

Enjoying a drink at the Broadbeach Tavern are, Debbie Oliver, Donna Maxwell, Susan Rainbow and Claire McKay. Photo: Scott Powick

Peter Stevenson, 78, who still works casually in Broadbeach, was also catching up with some friends and said they were having beers that had been a long time coming.

“It’s great for things to be getting back to normal and being able to go to the counter, pay for a drink and get the change,” he said.

“As a local I know how hard it’s been for everyone around here in hospitality and not being in work.

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“It’s great to see the industry getting back to how it once was.”

Since moving to the Gold Coast from Grafton in NSW 18 months ago, Claire Smidt-Thompson, 20, has been working at the tavern.

“It’s definitely a relief to have the restrictions lifted and go back to some sort of normality,” she said.

“Everyone is a lot happier being able to drink in a more relaxed environment.”