Pubs and clubs in New South Wales will be allowed to open their restaurants from this Friday (15th March), as the Berejiklian government begins to ease coronavirus restrictions. Similarly to cafes and restaurants, up to 10 patrons at a time will be allowed to dine in, with strict social distancing measures observed.
Bar service and gaming facilities will remain closed, but alcohol table service with a meal will be permitted, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. Takeaway service will continue.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet confirmed the news last night, calling the soft reopening “an important first step”.
“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,” Mr. Perrottet commented.
It’s not immediately clear how the 10-person rule will operate in practice. According to 7News, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters on Thursday, “You can have up to ten people to dine in a venue, that’s it.
“No matter what the venue is. No matter how large the venue is. We will continue to work with industry to see what the advice of health experts is and what case numbers look like to see if we can move forward in New South Wales in a different way.”
This Friday marks a number of other social distancing rules being relaxed in the state – with up to five people allowed to visit another household, and outdoor gatherings of up to 10 also permitted.
