Pubs celebrate as Northern Territory set to lift some COVID-19 restrictions

TERRITORIANS will soon be able to have a celebratory drink at their favourite pub once more with pubs, restaurants and cafes able to reopen again in less than two weeks

Barstaff at Smith St Social, Rhys Venturin and Freddie Ransom, celebrate the imminent lifting of some Covid-19 restrictions in the NT. Picture: Glenn Campbell

TERRITORIANS will soon be able to have a celebratory drink at their favourite pub once more following the announcement that pubs, restaurants and cafes will be able to reopen in less than two weeks.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner delivered the news late last week as a part of his Road map to the New Normal plan, which came as a welcome surprise after previously saying hospitality venues would not be allowed to reopen until June.

The restrictions will be lifted on May 15 under very strict guidelines that include a two hour time limit on all patrons and all alcohol having to be served with a meal.

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The 1.5 metre social distancing measures will also remain in place.

Venue Manager of Darwin’s Smith St Social Tessa Jackson said she and her team are thrilled to get back behind the bar.

“We’re so pleased, it’s been a really weird six months,” Ms Jackson said.

“It will be very different with the restrictions in place, but at least we’re doing something and getting back on track to a new normal.”

She said the venue has begun working out a plan for implementing the restrictions within the venue.

“In terms of hygiene … we have very intense sanitisation procedures,” Ms Jackson said. “As soon as someone has touched a surface it is sanitised.

“We’ve also spaced out all of our furniture and we’re heavily encouraging contactless card payment.”

There will also be a maximum amount of patrons allowed in the venue, which Ms Jackson said the Smith St Social is particularly well prepared for.

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“Because we’re split over two levels we can manage that really well,” she said.

“We also have a massive rooftop so people can really spread out.”

Director of Hibiscus Tavern Pty Ltd – which also owns the Cavanagh Hotel – and President of Hospitality NT Paul Palmer also welcomed the news.

“Our customers can expect some exiting changes, we’ve been very busy during the shutdown,” Mr Palmer said.

He also assured patrons that the pub will be well stocked with beer in time for the reopening.

“The brewers today advised that they are ramping up production so we will have access to plenty of stock in time for the 15th.”