RIVERLAND hospitality operators are facing the return of COVID-19 restrictions, with the consumption of food and drink at licensed venues while standing no longer permitted from today.
Premier Steven Marshall announced the new restrictions on Monday, alongside a 10-person limit on home gatherings, after the total number of COVID-19 cases in South Australia passed 450 over the weekend.
“We are concerned about seeding, we are concerned about community transmission and we are absolutely focused, 100 per cent, on staying ahead of the game,” he said.
“We expect a very high level of compliance with these restrictions.”
Renmark Hotel general manager Darren Baker said the restrictions brought in today on standing patrons would have a limited impact on the venue.
“We have nearly 100 seats in our sports bar, so for us it’s not too bad,” he said.
“We’ve been restricting entry into the sports bar to 120 patrons anyway, and everyone has been very respectful by social-distancing in those areas.”
Mr Baker said hotel staff had been constantly adapting to changes in restrictions throughout the pandemic, and thanked the local community for their support.
“We’re always up to date with what is happening through Zoom meetings,” he said.
“Looking at what the other states have bought in, like a lot of hospitality businesses in New South Wales voluntarily wearing masks, that could potentially come in for us, but at this stage that’s not the case.
“It’s a forever-changing landscape and we just have to adapt week by week.
“Thanks to the public for their patience and respect and allowing the community hotel to continue operating.”
Mr Baker said he personally believed the State Government were taking the right approach with bringing back some restrictions, and he was hopeful further restrictions would not need to return.
“I think the Government is getting on top of it as they see fit. They’re putting in these measures so we don’t go back to where we’ve come from,” he said.
“We have to respect that the people in charge are in the know and we just abide by the legislation and our governing body the Australian Hotels Association (AHA).
“The AHA have been instrumental in informing the Government of our needs as an industry, and getting a fair compromise of what restrictions come through.
“You can still come out to the pub and enjoy the facilities, and it’s a small price to pay to have to sit down.”