Boost for hospitality workers as NSW venues open to 50 people from June
From June 1, hospitality venues in New South Wales will be allowed to open their doors for up to 50 patrons, with expectations the move will see more than 70,000 jobs returned to the sector.
People will still be required to stay 4sqm from each other, and cannot stand, mingle or dance. Buffets and shared cutlery are still off the menu and diners will have to register their name and phone number when they enter the so they can be contacted in the event of an outbreak. Bookings will also be limited to 10 people.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was important to reboot the hospitality sector.
“For those who are viable, for those who have managed to hang on, we’re ensuring that we can work together to provide that safe environment,” she said.
“Things will be very different … Having joint cutlery on a table won’t be able to exist anymore. A simple buffet won’t exist anymore. There will be strict guidelines to ensure this happens safely.”
Australian Hotels Association NSW chief John Whelan said the further easing of restrictions offered hope to those who lost their jobs.
“The entire hospitality sector has been hard hit by the COVID-19 crisis,” he told The Australian. “From June 1 we can start re-employing our staff and open up our hotels.”
Former leaders from other states are pushing for their governments to follow the lead of NSW.
“With due respect to the states that still have border controls, it’s absolutely absurd,” former Victorian Liberal premier Jeff Kennett told The Australian.
“It’s unnecessary. It’s grandstanding and it is reducing the opportunity for their states (and) for their small-to-medium businesses to get going again.”
Former Queensland premier Peter Beattie also urged his state to loosen restrictions including reopening borders, saying “the virus is now as under control as much as it may ever be”.
Sheridan Randall, 25th May 2020
