UPDATE: When the Independent published this article on Friday, the Victorian Government had been set to increase patron limits to 50 on Monday.
But following five consecutive days of double-digit increases in cases across the state, government has now decided to keep patron limits to 20 per enclosed space.
From 11.59pm on 21 June:
The limit will remain at a limit of 20 patrons per enclosed space.
- Groups of up to 10 people can dine or drink together. They can be seated at the same table.
- Tables must continue to be spaced 1.5 metres apart.
- Alcohol can be served without a meal when seated.
- Bars, pubs, clubs, strip clubs and nightclubs are allowed to open for seated service only, with tables spaced 1.5 metres apart.
- Retail TABs and TAB facilities inside licensed premises may open.
This was the original article, published on Friday:
Geelong’s larger watering holes are preparing to reopen with state government set to ease restrictions allowing 50 patrons at venues at a time.
Sphinx Hotel owner George Ramia was thrilled to announce his venue’s reopening for dining in and drinks next Monday.
“I’m eager to see our friends and patrons again – I think everyone is,” he said.
“I’ll be here every day making sure everything is running smoothly.
“We’ve got a venue that fits 1200 people but with 50 we can pretty much break even and keep people employed.”
Patrons would have to sign in on arrival, with the Sphinx to provide hand sanitiser and ensure ample space between tables, Mr Ramia explained.
He admitted enjoying a break during the first month of closure but after two months he “couldn’t wait to reopen”.
He said he had retained “99 per cent” of staff during the pandemic.
“We’ve had a couple that couldn’t get the JobKeeper that had to find work elsewhere, but most are still here and raring to go.”
Mr Ramia praised state government for its handling of the pandemic so far.
“Hopefully by July, if all goes good, we’ll be up to 100 people,” he said.
Although the Sphinx would likely have to wait longer to put on live shows, Mr Ramia said.
“I’m still finding that it won’t be viable to put on entertainment [in July].”
Meanwhile King of the Castle owner Nick Watts said his café was reaching the current 20-person limit most days since reopening.
But despite the easing of restrictions his roughly 50-person capacity cafe would only be able to have “five or six” more patrons under current spacing regulations, he said.
