THE Crown Hotel in Wentworth has reopened its doors, albeit for up to only 10 patrons at a time.
But the majority of other pubs and clubs on the New South Wales side of the Murray River have decided to continue offering takeaway services only after the NSW Government eased COVID-19 restrictions on Friday.
Bars and gaming facilities will remain closed under the easing of restrictions, however table service for alcohol with a meal is now allowed.
Crown Hotel owner Rachel Hill said while they had planned to just be offering takeaways, allowing up to 10 people to dine in was a “bit of a bonus on what we can do”.
“We will maximise what we can do, turning over tables where possible,” she said.
“We are quite lucky that we have a supportive community wanting in any capacity to help us reopen.
“For now we will offer Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, but we are reassessing everything that we do on a regular basis.”
The Pooncarie Hotel also plans to reopen for meals next week.
“It’s gone from, ‘Oh, we’re not going to be able to open for a month or more’ and then bang, we can do something,” said Lee Sheard, who owns the pub with husband Josh.
“It’ll be good but we’ve just got to work out the best solution for us.”
The Pooncarie Hotel has been getting by with takeaway meals and alcohol, opening from 4pm to 8pm.
“It’s pretty slow, because there’s not too many people toing and froing at the moment, but we do what we can,” Mrs Sheard said.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet described the easing as an “important first step” in the economic revival of the hospitality sector.
“We realise the smaller venues will be the ones who gain most, but we are working hard to ensure we open in a safe manner and get the economy back up and firing,” Mr Perrottet said.
No date has been announced for any easing of restrictions for Victorian pubs and clubs.
