“BLOODY fantastic” was Mildura publican Malcolm Kalms’ reaction to news that Victorian pubs and clubs will be able to serve drinks without a meal for up to 50 people from June 21.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced a further easing of coronavirus restrictions on Sunday, which also included cafes and restaurants being able to increase their capacity to 50 patrons as of 11.59pm on June 21.
“It’s very welcome news, that’s for sure, and all the local punters and drinkers will love it,” said Mr Kalms, who owns The Sandbar in the Mildura CBD.
“It’s especially good for those workers who just want a couple of pots when they knock off who don’t have to order a meal. Or anyone who just wants to come and watch the footy on a Saturday arvo.”
People will still need to provide their contact details to venues and table service restrictions will apply.
The same increased limit will apply to galleries, museums and amusement parks, as well as libraries, community centres and halls, cinemas, concert venues, theatres and auditoriums.
Standalone TABs will also reopen, while TABs in pubs will need to adhere to venue restrictions on patron limits.
Mr Kalms said he was supportive of Member for Mildura Ali Cupper’s push to reduce the one person per four square metre rule back to one person per two square metres.”It really affects the smaller venues, so then places like Sip can go back to normal. The drinkers are really behind Ali on this one,” he said with a laugh.
In further announcements on Sunday, youngsters will be able to get back to playing sport from Monday week as training and competition reopens for 18-year-olds and under, while non contact sport will be allowed across all age groups.
Indoor sports centres and gyms will be able to open to 20 people per space, with a cap of up to 10 per group for those over the age of 18.
Local footy teams, soccer clubs and other contact sports will be able to resume training for over-18s from July 13, and from July 20, full competition can kick off.
Clubs and community facilities will be able to reopen their changerooms for returning players.
Sunraysia Football Netball League has not yet cancelled its season like a host of other leagues across the state. It has stated that it would not start a season without full crowds.
It was scheduled to meet and discuss its next step on June 16.
From July 20 electronic gaming at pubs, clubs and the casino will reopen with social distancing rules and hygiene requirements in place.
VICTORIA’S FURTHER EASED RESTRICTIONSFROM JUNE 22* Pubs and clubs can serve drinks for up to 50 people seated without a meal, but social distancing must be adhered to and contact information provided.* Restaurants and cafes can have up to 50 people in the venue* Libraries, community centres and halls will be able to open to 50 people* 50 people may attend auctions and visit auction houses * Religious ceremonies can increase to 50* Cinemas, concert venues, theatres and auditoriums can open with up to 50 people per space* 50 people allowed to visit galleries, museums and amusement parks* Standalone TABs and those in pubs and clubs can open, but TABs in venues are subject to patron limits* All sports training and competition will resume for those 18 and under * Non-contact sports competition can begin across every age group* Indoor sports centres and physical recreation spaces like gyms will be able to open to 20 people per space* Changerooms at gyms, sport centres and pools open* School camps reopen*Communal spaces such as showers and kitchens at holiday accommodation and and camping sites will be available to visitors* Ski resorts open.JULY 13*Local football teams, soccer clubs and other contact sports can resume training for over-18s.JULY 20*Electronic gaming areas at pubs, clubs and the casino will be reopened, with distancing, cleaning and hygiene requirements* Full sporting competitions can begin * Sports clubs and community facilities open.
