POONCARIE residents were stoked to finally enjoy “one over the wood and out of the tap” this month.
It was a cause for celebration when coronavirus restrictions were eased on June 1, allowing the Pooncarie Hotel to open its doors after some months.
And it’s not just the beers that are flowing in the tiny outback town, but also the Darling River, after some years in drought.
Publican Josh Sheard said the town had been abuzz since restrictions had eased with both local and tourists enjoying their new freedom.
“It’s good, obviously the old characters around the town like to have a chat and they have fresh people to talk to and it’s really, really good,” Mr Sheard said.
“You can drink a can or a stubby at home anytime, that’s why people come into the pub to have one in a glass and out of a tap.
“They were stoked to be able to do that again.
“For a lot of the elderly gentlemen in town, it is a social hub for them, so a lot of them, they have been driving around town and having a look around but they haven’t been talking to anyone.
“With the pub opened it is good, you see a lot of smiles on faces of the older blokes now.”
Mr Sheard said the first two days of the restrictions easing were challenging because he had to explain the rules to every person who entered the building.
But he said towards the end people became aware of what was going on and were happy to walk straight in, write down their number, sign the register and take a seat.
“For us, being 150km from Mildura, Victoria and NSW rules are very different and we have found people travelling from Victoria weren’t sure of what was happening.
“On the long weekend we were booked out for lunch and dinner Friday to Saturday and, unfortunately, with the rules we were turning people away.
“It was quite hectic and everyone was really good with it. There wasn’t anyone upset they couldn’t come in.
“The locals were pretty good, they knew there were people who were wanting to get out and about and be here on the weekend.
“The locals gave us a nudge early in the week and then left us alone and the tourists moved in, which allowed people to come and go that hadn’t been here before.
“There have been a lot of return customers, who have been here and seen it dry, and were coming back to see the water.”
Since March 23 and the easing of restrictions, the hotel had been opening only for takeaway meals each night from 4pm to 8pm.
But, with border closures and governments clamping down on non-essential travel, Mr Sheard said the hotel had cooked few meals.
“There were just the few takeaway beers, so it was exciting to reopen our doors.
“At the same time I was a bit nervous because I didn’t know how everyone was going to perceive the rules and if they would be welcoming to them.
“Other businesses are starting to kick off again and there’s people moving around town.
“If people know they are going to be travelling this way in the next month or so, I’d encourage them to give us a call if they want to book for lunch or dinner.
“That way we can guarantee them a spot.”
