Back to the pub in a fortnight: Vic to relax restaurant restrictions
Pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes will reopen in two weeks, with the state government revealing its gradual plan to extend customer limits over the next two months.
VIC News
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Victorian cafes, restaurants and pubs will be able to have 100 diners at a time by the middle of July as Premier Daniel Andrews eases restrictions on the hospitality industry.
The Sunday Herald Sun revealed rom June 1, 20 patrons at a time will be allowed to eat in enclosed spaces, as long as they remain appropriately socially distanced from each other.
The customer limit will be lifted to 50 people from June 22.
Mr Andrews has committed that by the middle of July, 100 people will be allowed to eat at cafes, restaurants and in the dining areas of pubs.
Further work will be done by the State Government to help businesses operate safely.
Patrons will be subject to new social distancing laws similar to those introduced in Queensland this weekend.
Public bars will not be allowed to serve drinks in the phased reopening of pubs, with patrons confined to eating in bistro areas.
“If they choose to have a beer with that, then that’s all good,” Mr Andrews said.
Anyone eating at a cafe, pub or restaurant will be required to leave their name and phone number in case there is a virus outbreak.
Other safety requirements will include extra cleaning, staff health screening and temperature checks.
Tables will have to be 1.5 metres apart, and venues must still meet density requirements, of one person per four square metres.
Mr Andrews said he would consider delaying the plan to reopen hospitality venues if there is an unexplained outbreak in coming weeks.
The Andrews Government announced the opening date following a massive COVID-19 testing of 150,000 people aged 15-64, which includes the age bracket most likely to go out to pubs and eateries.
The test results are understood to have given the government greater confidence to plan for a progressive reopening of hospitality businesses as early as June 1.
Last week the Sunday Herald Sun revealed schools would begin returning from the last week of May, that the AFL season would be back by June 11, and social gatherings would be allowed for groups of up to 10.
It is understood the reopening will be accompanied by strict enforcement measures to ensure compliance.
Last week Premier Daniel Andrews was asked about relaxing the pub lockdown laws and said, “We can’t get back on the beers yet” before adding “There will be a time for that and no one will enjoy making that announcement more than me, let me assure you of that. There might even be props involved.”
In Queensland yesterday, people lapped up their first day of coronavirus restriction freedom, flocking to reopened restaurants and bars.
Gold Coast cafe owner Lincoln Testa said, “Ten seats isn’t much but it’s a start — it’s certainly better than no seats.”
Brisbane couple Paulo Ventura and Carolina Carli enjoyed their first sit-down cafe meal in weeks, at Madison’s Cafe in Broadbeach.
“We just moved up from Melbourne and only finished quarantine two days ago so it’s great to be able to go out and celebrate with a meal,” Mr Ventura said.
VICTORIA’S PLAN
June 1: Up to 20 patrons allowed
June 22: Patron limits of 50
Mid-July: Look to allow up to 100 patrons per venue
QLD RULES FOR CAFES, RESTAURANTS, AND PUBS SERVING FOOD:
* only 10 patrons at a time
* bookings must be made
* no more than 1 person per 4 sqm
* social distancing still applies, people must be 1.5m apart
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