Hospitality industry grapples with cover up mandate on New Year’s Eve with no end date

Darwin’s hospitality industry was dealt a late blow on New Year’s Eve by an NT government-enforced mandate just hours before the festivities were set to begin.

WHILE the mask mandate may have put a dampener on some New Year’s celebrations, it did not stop families getting together to enjoy the occasion.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner announced an indefinite mask mandate for indoor premises from 6pm on December 31, throwing plans into disarray. Santana Phiama spent his New Year’s Eve with family, including his four-year-old daughter Amiaia Lamour, and had a great time at the gathering.

“We went to a family disco which allowed all the kids to have some fun and exhaust themselves while the adults sat around and chatted,” Mr Phiama said.

“And the next day we decided to buy and try out a stand-up paddleboard. It was fun, we could have done more but it was all for the kids to enjoy. Masks aren’t what everyone wants to have, but really it’s just the way of the world right now and we have to go with it.”

Santana Phiama and his Daughter Amiaia Lamour enjoying Lake Alexander. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Businesses adapted to the mask mandate in different ways, with Shenannigans and Six Tanks among others on Mitchell St quick to adapt.

“It will be a pain for some to wear masks, but we just have to do what we have to do and keep our customers safe,” Shenannigans manager Rachel Attley said.

In a Facebook post that has since been taken down, Throb Darwin announced ahead of New Year’s Eve it would not be open for the big event, citing the lateness of the mandate announcement.

EARLIER: DARWIN’S hospitality industry was dealt a late blow on New Year’s Eve by an NT government-enforced mandate just hours before the festivities were set to begin.

A Territory-wide indoor mask mandate came into effect as of 6pm on New Year’s Eve with people required to wear a mask while indoors unless they are eating or drinking.

Businesses and patrons found out on New Year’s Eve that masks would be enforced at all indoor venues prompting some people to instead bring in the New Year while outside.

On Friday afternoon, Six Tanks manager Manasi Kularni was still hoping for a big night but thought the mask mandate may have scared a few potential punters away.

“We were still hoping for a big night with plenty of live music but unfortunately the mask mandate may have a few people a bit scared,” she said.

“The mask mandate is a good thing before anything gets worse. It’s a good first step to bring that safety and security but it will have an effect on the business going forward.”

Shenannigans manager Rachel Attley shared similar sentiments hoping that the mandate wouldn’t have too much of an effect on Territory businesses going forward.

“It won’t really change anything for us, as we know the government is only trying to keep the community safe,” Ms Attley said.

“So while it will be a pain for some to wear masks we just have to do what we have to do and keep our customers safe.

“The hope was that there was still a good crowd at the Waterfront and then people could come along here later on to enjoy the live music.

“We’re just so used to it in the NT to wear masks at this stage so we know what to expect.

“Some people when they first came in didn’t know about the news so there was a bit of explaining but I don’t think it will effect businesses up here too much.”

Chamber of Commerce chief executive Greg Ireland said that while industry was not particularly keen on the mask mandate, it accepted that it was a practical approach to the situation.

“The mask mandate being in play just in time for New Year’s Eve will potentially have an immediate impact on hospitality and pub venues going forward” Mr Ireland said. “We know masks are not a favourite with Territorians but we’re also aware there are increasing case numbers and there needs to be some method of minimising exposure.

“While not overly keen on the mask mandate we accept it’s a practical approach to this situation but we’re very keen not to have density limits.

“If we see a reduction in numbers able to attend venues, that will have a much more detrimental effect but masks may be something we’ll have to accept in the future.”