Fifty-three days after the hammer fell and all pubs across the country quietly closed their doors in response to a global pandemic, the lights are flickering back on as multiple states begin allowing thirsty patrons to return.
Since last Friday’s announcement by the Prime Minister on how Australia would unscrew its clamps on the economy, individual states have officially released their own interpretations and timelines for restarting businesses. Both literally on the COVID-19 coalface and a major employer across the country, hospitality has been a hot topic of debate.
While some states were quick to provide a roadmap for the reopening of pubs, the Berejiklian government continued to cite medical advice until yesterday suggesting New South Wales would remain shut for the immediate future.
Having spent the week crunching the numbers, the NSW Premier’s office confirmed pubs in the most populous state could begin trading, offering seated dining for up to ten people, from Friday 15 May.
“This is an important first step, and we want it to be a success, so that as venues transition back from closure they do so safely both for their staff and their customers,” explained State Treasurer Dominic Perrottet.
Procedure across all states is that governments will review the results of the first stage of re-opening and make adjustments as required.
Chris Feros is one of those diving right back in, opening all of the Feros Group’s mostly large-format pubs across Sydney for casual lunch and dinner dining for ten people, complementing the ongoing takeaway and delivery foodservice that has been going on since the shutdown.
Conscious of the need to send the right message and of the looming debt JobKeeper will endow on the economy in coming years, Feros says they’ve got their subsidised staff in place and there is more to consider than making any money at the beginning.
“If the government says you can open I think some of us need to open, to show them thank you, and even if we’re not making money out of it at least they can say pubs are open again,” suggests Feros.
“We think the government’s done a really good job suppressing the virus. They are supporting us. We can see that by doing what they’ve done for us today. They’re committed to us as well, which is a very important thing.
“We can support them by opening, even if it’s only for ten customers.”
Since a story yesterday in The Leader, the Feros Group reports a massive response and overwhelming phone calls looking to get a slot.
All service will be strictly by booking only. Walk-ins will be turned away. A limited menu will be available, via table service.
An hour and 15 minutes is being allotted for a ‘sitting’, and areas receive a thorough clean before the next patrons are escorted in through the otherwise closed doors.
“We’ve got to take the virus seriously, and make sure we are keeping our patrons safe,” adds Feros.
“But I also think it’s important we give our customers a bit of relief. I know it’s not a lot, but it’s something to support our customers and let them know we’re there for them.”
Justin Hemmes’ Merivale group reports some of its 70-plus locations will reopen, mostly limited to those already doing takeaway and/or delivery, which will remain the immediate focus.
The new takeaway portfolio has expanded to include Bar Totti’s, Jimmy’s Falafel, and Lotus 2.0. These join Mr. Wong, Totti’s Bondi, Coogee Pavilion and The Paddington.
The group’s new home delivery service, ‘Just In’, is also now live at selected venues, with more to come next week. The initiative is operated entirely by Merivale employees, who work as ‘delivery concierges’.
In all there have been plenty of pubs eager to welcome some patronage after the longest dry spell in Australian pub history.
The AHA NSW has suggested allowing NSW pubs to open is “a common-sense decision” and issues a call to the public to make it work for everyone.
“Call ahead and make bookings and if you must queue outside stay 1.5metres apart and observe social distancing regulations,” says AHA NSW Director of Liquor and Policing John Green.
The AHA has been dutifully lobbying the state and federal governments for pubs to be duly considered in plans to ease restrictions, poignantly noting political leaders might “be held to account by pub patrons and staff” if and when local venues shut permanently.
State governments still dictate the individual details, but across the country social distancing measures of 1.5 metres and one person per four square metres of floorspace are still in effect.
State conditions on pubs opening are currently as follows:
Friday, 15 May
New South Wales: table service for up to ten patrons for a meal. Alcohol can be served with the meal, but the bar and gaming services must remain closed.
Queensland: table service for up to ten patrons. Outback regions that have experienced no COVId-19 cases may have capacity increased to 20 people.
Australian Capital Territory: seated dining for up to ten patrons.
Northern Territory: dining and bar service resumes, but alcohol must be consumed with food.
Monday, 18 May
Western Australia: table service for up to 20 patrons, but staff are required to complete a COVID-19 hygiene course before trade resumes.
Tasmania: table service for up to ten patrons.
Monday, 8 June
South Australia: table service for up to 20 patrons for a meal.
To be Announced
Victoria: Daniel Andrews’ government is at this stage saying pubs will not resume trading until State Three of easing, next month, but hopes are high amongst Victorian publicans and the AHA Victoria that when the time comes the patron number limits will be higher than in the pioneering states.
