Darwin pubs, clubs brace for economic fallout from new limit on gatherings

Mitchell St pubs and clubs are preparing for the impending impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy, with indoor events restricted to 100 people.

Hotel Darwin manager Brett Lubicz said the pub can fit in 300 people under the new restrictions because of its three sectioned-off areas. Picture: Glenn Campbell

MITCHELL St pubs and clubs are preparing for the impending impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy, with indoor events now restricted to 100 people.

Hotel Darwin manager Brett Lubicz said the popular hotel was lucky it could split its venue into three separate areas, upping its capacity to 300 while remaining within the 100-person restriction.

“What they’ve allowed us is to section off an area,” he said.

“It’s quite easy for us to do because we’ve got a set of doors (so) we can create that sectioning.”

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He said Wednesday was a positive day from a sales perspective but staff would have to see what the real impact was over the next few weekends.

“To date they’ve done as much as they can to keep hospitality open … we’ll be trading as normal,” he said.

Another Mitchell St venue, with an indoor capacity of only 148 patrons, wasn’t expecting to see a major impact.

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner said Territorians needed to “be the best local(s) you can be”.

“You are the front line on this fight … local businesses need you, your economy needs you, we need you to buy local, holiday local,” he said.