Guidelines in place for restaurant, cafe reopening

Published on 28 May 2020

Cafés, restaurants and other hospitality businesses, as well as patrons, are urged to adhere to Hospitality Industry Guidelines in place to protect employees and patrons from the spread of Coronavirus.

Restrictions relating to opening of cafes, restaurants and other hospitality businesses will be eased on Monday, 1 June, with dine-in services for up to 20 patrons allowed.

“Many residents are looking forward to the easing of these restrictions, which will enable people to dine-in at cafes and restaurants located within the Gannawarra,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Although cafes and restaurants can reopen, it is important to remember that measures are in place to protect everyone at this time.”

Cafés, restaurants and other hospitality businesses, as well as patrons, need to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Venues are required to request contact details, first name and phone number, of every dine-in customer to assist in rapid contact tracing. This information will not be used for any other purpose;
• The maximum number of people that can be seated together is six. Larger groups will not be allowed;
• Only seated table service is available, and alcohol can only be served with a meal;
• Patrons need to follow any signs the business has displayed. If you are unsure of what to do, ask for more information; and
• If a customer at the venue is in breach of the directions issued by the Chief Health Officer or is not cooperating, a business has the right to refuse entry to customers or ask them to leave.

“Residents planning to attend any of the café or restaurants operating with the Gannawarra are encouraged to contact these individual business before they are planning to attend to confirm opening hours and what other restrictions may be in place,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“As always, you should stay at home if unwell, maintain physical distancing and practice good hygiene to help create a safe environment for everyone.”

Further details regarding hospitality measures, as well as other major restrictions coming in place from 12 midnight on 1 June 2020, are available at www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

For more information regarding Coronavirus and Council’s efforts, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus