Guidelines needed for venues to prepare for opening

THE boss of some of Darwin’s most popular pubs has outlined how they would operate within social distancing guidelines in a bid to reopen this dry season

Freddy Ransom (L) and Angela Li as at Monsoons. The owner of Monnies says he's ready and prepared to open the doors of his venues. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

THE boss of some of Darwin’s most popular pubs has outlined how they would operate within social distancing guidelines in a bid to reopen this dry season.

The plans come ahead of a meeting between Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Chamber of Commerce NT chief executive Greg Ireland today to discuss how and when venues may open.

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Australian Venue Co chief executive Paul Waterson believes his three venues – Monsoons Darwin, Smith St Social and Shenannigans – will be ready to open as soon as restrictions are eased.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner revealed today he is looking at lifting restrictions on cafes, pubs and gyms in the Northern Territory in June.

When the venues did reopen, Mr Waterson said they would have a dedicated hygiene officer and a social distancing marshal and staff beginning a shift would have their temperature checked. He also said cleaning would be ramped up and communal cutlery caddies removed.

Mr Waterson said he was seeking clear guidelines and timelines from the government on when restrictions might be eased so he could prepare his venues.

“We want a clear understanding of what the health and safety guidelines are,” he said. “We do intend to be the industry leaders in that space.”

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He said the company had developed a training program for staff so they were prepared to work in the future.

“We’re developing a safe socialising policy for the business. A big part is giving people confidence in our practises,” he said.

While venues have been forced to shut without clear direction, Mr Waterson praised the government for its quick and tough approach to stop the virus spreading.

“We understand the reasons for the drastic measures,” he said. “We just want some visibility of when they may be lifted and what the restrictions may be when that happens.”

Jason Hanna – who owns The Deck Bar, Chow, Lazy Susan’s and various other eateries – said he wanted to work with colleagues to create a staged approach that would support venues to open without risking closing.

He warned the typical drink at the pub should not be expected when things change.

“There’s a lot of businesses that have to take stock of what we are going to open up to,” Mr Hanna said.

“We have no tourism season and we are coming off the back of a terrible few years.”