Rejoicing in restaurants with 100 allowed in correctly spaced areas

Berejiklian government will loosen capacity restrictions for restaurants from Monday.

Pictured at the Shangri-La Hotel at the Rocks in Sydney is a waiter pouring wine, while wearing a mask and gloves which will be the new normal for staff due to COVID-19. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Berejiklian government will loosen capacity restrictions for restaurants from Monday, opening the door for larger venues to have more than 100 people across different dining spaces.

While the government had previously announced restaurants, pubs and cafes would be allowed 50 patrons per venue, industry documents exclusively obtained by The Weekend Australian reveal that restaurants will be able to accommodate 50 patrons “in an existing seated dining area”.

It is understood this means restaurants will be able to seat 50 people in an inside dining venue, an additional 50 in an outside space, and more in a private dining room — as long they ensure social distancing regulations, or one customer per four square metres.

With similar measures expected to roll out across the nation, Wes Lambert, chief executive of Restaurant & Catering Australia, said he was thankful that state and territory leaders had listened to the industry.

“From Monday thousands of restaurants will begin to feel more like normal. We have been working hard to accelerate the patron limit increases,” Mr Lambert said.

“Now the task falls to the Australian dining public, get out and patron your local restaurants, they need your support now more than ever.”

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A spokesman for NSW Health said all venues would need to adhere to business specific COVID safety plans.

“NSW Health has been finalising checklists to allow businesses affected by the easing of restrictions to be prepared for operation on June 1,” the spokesman said.

“These checklists will provide guidance for businesses to develop a COVID safety plan and all relevant information will be made publicly available.”

Across the country, states have announced plans to relax capacity restrictions for restaurants to varying degrees.

In South Australia, restaurants will be allowed 20 people per room, with an 80 person limit. While plans for 20 people per venue are set for June 12, Queenslanders are hopeful of that number swelling to dozens. From June 1, Victorian restaurants can service 20 patrons, while West Australia will allow 100 people from June 6.