Pubs reopening: A simple guide on what you can and can't do
Pubs across NSW will again reopen their doors to the public on Friday after shutting for months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However there’s a catch, and Australians should not expect their social life to resume as normal, with the eateries operating under very strict rules.
Here’s what you can and can’t do.
What can I go to the pub for?
Missing that schnitty and scooner? The good news is you’re allowed to venture down to the pub for an old Aussie favourite.
Be warned though, you won’t be able to sink a few frothies at the bar and have a good night out.
You can only go to the pub for a meal as part of the state government’s push to boost the economy.
Venues can only open if diners adhere to social distancing requirements and apply the four square metre rule.
People who are not members of the same household must stay 1.5 metres apart.
Venues are only allowed to have 10 patrons inside at a time, despite how large the pub is and how many different rooms it has.
“Even if there are multiple rooms or multiple facilities in a venue, it’s only up to 10 people in one venue,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
People must also be seated at a table while in the pub and takeaways will still be available for those who do not wish to dine in.
Do I have to make a booking?
Hoteliers are asking people to call ahead and make a booking if they want to go for dinner to avoid long lines outside venues.
“Call ahead and make bookings and if you must queue outside stay 1.5 metres apart and observe social distancing regulations,” AHA NSW Director of Liquor and Policing John Green said.
Can you have a few drinks at the pub?
Patrons can only drink with their meal, so don’t expect to polish off your dinner and order another cold one.
People can remain at the pub for the entirety of their meal but once your dinner plate is empty, socialising time is over.
Only table service for alcohol will be allowed.
What can’t you do?
Gaming facilities will remain shut as well as bars.
People are also urged to not line up outside venues as that could cause issues with busy streets and compromise social distancing.
Ms Berejiklian said many large venues would not be viable if they chose to only open for 10 people.
"We do need to take these smaller steps forward,” she said.
"We can't really go any further at this stage because there's a lot of activity already happening at the moment, we need to make sure we collect good data on what that extra level of activity means."
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