PATRONS were lining up at 10am as the Gol Gol Hotel reopened its doors on Monday due the lifting of coronavirus restrictions in NSW.
The hospitality industry has been given a much-needed boost with up to 50 people allowed to dine in restaurants, pubs, clubs and cafes from Monday.
Venues will have to adhere to strict physical distancing rules, bookings of 10 or more are banned and patrons can’t stand.
“We’re absolutely ecstatic to be back open and having people back in here,” staff member Jordan Pretscherer said.
“It’s been pretty tough on everyone, but we have quite a few bookings for today and right through the week. We had a few people lining up this morning waiting for it to open.
“We’ve had to make a few changes and make sure that we are following the rules in terms of distancing and sanitisation, but everyone is willing to follow those rules and co-operate which makes it easier.”
Gol Gol Hotel has a number of different rooms that will be able to accommodate up to 50 patrons each, making it a viable option to reopen the doors.
The bar remains under renovation and will be closed, but Ms Pretscherer said it was hoped it would be complete in “four to five weeks” in time for more restrictions to be lifted.
Current restrictions prevent patrons from just coming in for a drink at the bar.
“Hopefully the timing is perfect,” Ms Pretscherer said of the completion of the bar renovation.
The loosening of restrictions in NSW comes in time for the June long weekend with libraries, art galleries, museums, zoos, reptile parks and aquariums also reopening from Monday.
The most requested restriction to be eased relates to beauty salons, with NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard saying their recommencement “topped the barrel”.
He said it was vital both businesses and patrons followed health and safety guidelines to keep businesses in business.
“We need to accept life will be different until we have an effective treatment or a vaccine,” Mr Hazzard said on Monday.
Victorians are also able to get back on the beers and go out for brunch as months of coronavirus restrictions ease across the state.
Cafes, restaurants and other spaces where groups usually gather are preparing to reopen with 20-person limits under changes to lockdown rules on Monday.
In South Australia, pubs are reopening as the second stage of COVID-19 restrictions are eased, with only one case remaining active in the state.
On Monday, venues can have up to 80 patrons provided they are contained to groups of 20 in separate rooms or areas, and alcohol can also be served to customers as long as they are seated.
