BEER and wine was flowing once again across Gawler’s pubs, with some taking the first chance to reopen their doors on Monday.
Relaxed COVID-19 pandemic restrictions announced last week allowed pubs and restaurants to open for a limit of 80 people, provided there is no more than 20 patrons in distinct rooms.
The restriction were originally set to be lifted on June 8, but Premier Steven Marshall brought forward the changes to Monday following a continued run of no new COVID-19 cases in the state.
Seven of Gawler’s nine pubs opened their doors from Monday, with many operating on reduced hours to test the waters after their enforced closure.
The remaining two pubs – The Exchange and the Criterion – are expected to open later this week.
In order to open up again, pub owners have been forced to create a COVID-19 safety plan which covers rules for patrons and staff.
PA Hotel owner Richard Turner said he found it easy to comply with the new regulations and was excited to open on Monday.
“It’s been a long two months waiting to get patrons back through the door and to get back to normality,” he said.
“It wasn’t that hard (to meet the regulations). We’ve got policies and procedures in place.
“We had to submit to the (State) Government our plan with details on our spaces and how many people we’ll have so we can trade.
“We’re all in this together too. That’s what we’re going to put to our patrons, if you see someone not sitting down, tell them to sit down.”
Pubs were forced to close on Sunday, March 22, when Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a number of tough restrictions at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Restaurants were still able to operate for takeaway only, with some pubs also utilising their kitchens to provide a revenue stream during the enforced closure.
A surprise announcement by Mr Marshall on Friday, May 22, allowed pubs to reopen for up to 20 people – 10 inside and 10 outside – but for many businesses it failed to provide an incentive to open.
“With the 20-person rule it was a definite no,” Mr Turner said.
“With the 80-person rule it’s a yes, but it’s just viable.
“We’ll see what happens in the next week. I think we’ll have a rush in the first week, but from then I don’t know.”
Front bars across town were open from as early as 11am on Monday, with many enjoying their first tap beer or glass of wine since the pandemic started.
Gus Musolino, who had his first drink at the Kingsford Hotel on Monday afternoon, was glad to see local businesses up and running again.
“I forgot what a pub looked like,” he laughed. “It’s great to have a beer poured for you, rather than pouring your own.
“We need to keep the money turning over in Gawler. We need to support our locals.”