Raise your glass – it’s been one year since NT pubs reopened after the COVID-19 shutdown

Saturday marked a year to the momentous day that the NT’s pubs and clubs reopened their doors after the COVID-19 shutdown, prompting thousands of Territorians to pack out venues for a glass of liquid gold.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner pours a schooner at the Cavenagh Hotel in the lead-up to NT pubs reopening. Picture: Glenn Campbell

SATURDAY marked a year to the momentous day that the NT’s pubs and clubs reopened their doors after the COVID-19 pandemic shut them down.

The momentous occasion was embraced by thousands of Territorians who packed out venues for a glass of liquid gold.

Emily Hazrati serves the NT News a pint of beer at Shenanigans, Darwin on the day that pubs reopened after the COVID shutdown last year. Picture: Che Chorley

Bree Richards from Lola's Pergola, Darwin, stops for a refresher after her shift, as the bar reopened for the first time in 53 days the COVID-19 shutdown last year. Picture: Che Chorley

On May 15 last year, beauty salons, fitness studios, indoor markets, galleries and places of religious places of worship also reopened.

It was such a grand occasion Chief Minister Michael Gunner held a press conference declaring things were returning to the “new normal”.

Rick Conway and Gabby Brady knock back Bullfighters at Monsoons Restaurant and Party Bar, Darwin on the day that pubs reopened after the COVID shutdown last year. Picture: Che Chorley

Bartender Leanne Krostiiansen pours the first beer at Shenanigans, Darwin on the day that pubs reopened after the COVID shutdown last year. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The NT News marked the event with a viral front page headline: “Screw you we’re having a brew”.

To commemorate the occasion a collection of the paper’s finest front pages were printed in the issue as coasters.

Russell Smith finishes his first beer for the afternoon on the day that pubs reopened after the COVID shutdown last year. Picture: Che Chorley

Publican Brett Lubicz opens the doors of Hotel Darwin for the first time in 53 days after the COVID shutdown last year.

Rules put in place by the NT government required patrons to stay at venues for no longer than two hours, to sit down while drinking and to have a meal.

Yesterday, a year to the day later, NT pubs, bars and nightclubs were not only operating as normal, but Darwin welcomed 8000 interstate revellers to the Top End to attend the BASSINTHEGRASS music festival.

What a ride it’s been.

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