NSW PUBS TO INCREASE TO 50 CAPACITY

Hospitality in NSW is toasting the announcement today of a major easing of restrictions on pubs, restaurants and cafes, starting next month.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the revised plans at a press conference this afternoon, revealing that from 1 June the number of patrons allowed in suitable venues will increase from the current limit of 10, to 50.

The AHA has confirmed 50 more will be allowed in separate dining areas.

This represents a significant fast-tracking of the original schedule, in recognition of the strains on the economy, but the Premier warns strict rules will make for major changes in on-premise service.

Berejiklian stressed government does not want to have to “shut businesses down because they haven’t complied” or see the State “go backwards” in any way.

“There are strict guidelines in place, which will ensure that we can do this safely,” she said.

“[Opening] has to be in adherence to the four-square-metre rule.

“And also, nobody will be able to be standing up in these venues. You have to be seated at a table, even if it’s a pub. You have to be seated at the table, you have to be served at the table.”

Pubs will be required to provide table service to all customers, and not have them buy drinks at the bar, and the square metreage restrictions means smaller venues may not see any increase.

There will also be restrictions on numbers in group bookings, allowing no more than 10 people per group, and all patrons are being urged to contact venues ahead of attending to confirm capacity.

Importantly, all venues must develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan consistent with NSW Health guidelines.

The scaled-up revival comes as the State government reports feeling more comfortable, with the number of new cases being detected remaining low, but a ‘no regrets’ policy aiming to keep the community safe keeps them in check.

Today’s announcement follows news earlier this week that travel restrictions will be lifted within the State, also from 1 June. This move accompanies the resumption of cultural institutions such as museums, art galleries and libraries.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro was first to declare “happy hour” is upon us, while warning the new freedoms must not be seen as a back to normal yet.

“We want people to do the right thing. We want people to stay safe. We don’t want to see the transmission of COVID in the regions. That’s why our regulations and our guidelines that will be released next week will remain and remain strong.”

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello, who oversees liquor and gaming regulation, said government had worked with the AHA and ClubsNSW on today’s policy, which the Hotels Association suggests will be particularly welcomed by country hoteliers as regional areas open again for travellers.

“The entire hospitality sector has been hard hit by the COVID-19 crisis with hotels shut down across NSW and 94 per cent of our workforce of 75,000 stood down or terminated,” said AHA NSW CEO John Whelan.

“From June 1 we can start re-employing our staff and open up our hotels once again as a great place for our communities to meet, relax and socialise.

“We look forward to the day when we can safely fully re-open, re-employ our staff and pour a cold draught beer for our loyal patrons.”

Hotel industry face Justin Hemmes similarly welcomed the news and praised authorities for their handling of the crisis.

“Today is a day of celebration and hope for the hospitality industry,” exulted Hemmes.

“This is the best news we’ve had in months, and marks the real beginning to hospitality’s road to recovery.

“I would like to commend the government who not only acted swiftly to protect our country, but are now doing everything they can to help us safely reopen doors and rebuild the industry

Merivale’s advises it is amongst the long list of operators that will now be thinking about reopening more venues.

Clear guidance and regulations for venues will be produced and released by the NSW Government between now and 1 June.