Today’s announcement of a dramatic relaxation to NSW’s COVID-19 restrictions has brought praise from industry giants such as Merivale and the AHA as a “game-changer”.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the changes today, due to come into effect Monday (7 December), in time for the Christmas period.
The current four-square-metre rule will change to require two square metres per patron (except for at gyms and nightclubs) and significantly, the upper patron number caps will be removed for hospitality venues, as well as at weddings and funerals.
Patrons will be allowed to stand in outdoor settings, and dance floors can welcome back up to 50 people. Outdoor gatherings will be able to host 100 people, with outdoor stadiums allowed 100 per cent seating capacity and indoor stadiums up to 75 per cent seated capacity.
State Treasurer Dominic Perrottet says the expected increase in trade will inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy each month, but Premier Gladys Berejiklian remains prudent, warning things may change should there be new clusters.
“This is the first time in the pandemic we have moved this fast,” she said.
Restaurants and Catering Australia chief executive Wes Lambert described the changes as “the best early Christmas gift” the Premier could have given industry, heralding the return of 42,000 jobs in pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, catering and function centres that have been on hold for months.
AHA NSW CEO John Whelan believes the move to 2sqm will immediately bring back more than 9,000 much-needed jobs in pubs across the state, following 94 per cent of the workforce stood down or terminated when pubs closed in March.
“NSW hotels are proud to have led the way with QR codes and electronic tracing and have consistently gone above and beyond what is required to keep staff and patrons safe.
“Not only can hotels now employ more chefs, baristas and bar staff, this change will flow on to the hundreds of thousands of people indirectly employed by hotels from the local butcher to maintenance workers.
“Hotels have struggled to survive and this is another step forward in the long road to recovery. And after eight long months it will be great to be able to stand up and enjoy a Christmas drink with friends in your local pub’s beer garden.”
Heading up one of the state’s largest operators and employers in the hospitality sector, Justin Hemmes echoed the Associations’ praise.
“This is an absolute game-changer for hospitality venues, and a huge step forward in our continued march towards recovery,” said Hemmes.
“I cannot congratulate the NSW government enough for its sensible, safe and nimble handling of the COVID crisis to date. Our state and our country are a stand-out in the world and all Australians should feel extremely proud for what we have achieved.
“My heartfelt thanks to the brilliant hospitality workers for their patience, hard work and unflagging optimism, and to the guests for continuing to support local restaurants and bars.
“Today is a real moment in history for the industry and a day of great celebration. Here’s to a safe and happy holiday season we’ll never forget.”
