It is the next step in relaxing the state’s Coronavirus related restrictions, and announced just one week after cafes and restaurants were allowed to reopen and seat up to 10 patrons.
Many local eateries opted not to reopen for 10 patrons as it was not considered viable.
The new customer limit is intended to safely bring back hospitality jobs, but will still vary depending on the venue.
Each venue must adhere to a one person per four square metre rule and each business must also develop a COVID Safety Plan consistent with government guidelines.
All customers must be seated, and no one booking can exceed 10 people.
As one of the larger dining venues in Deniliquin, Deniliquin RSL Club CEO David Hart said the new rules were welcomed.
He said the way the rules are interpreted, the club can have up to 50 people in both the cafe and Brasserie restaurant.
Mr Hart said it would mean he can re-engage more of his staff members, but warned businesses could only remain viable during restrictions with the support of the community.
‘‘We all have to get back into the swing of things, but we need support,’’ he said.
‘‘I am urging the community to help us by supporting all local businesses.
‘‘We will be offering table service as people will no longer be allowed to line up or walk up to the bar and counters.
‘‘It is vital that social distancing is followed so we can continue to offer our services, so we will have someone supervising to ensure people are adhering to the rules.
‘‘We will also be allowed to open our poker machines, however we are waiting on advice regarding ensuring social distancing is followed.’’
The new rules come under step two of the National Cabinet’s roadmap.
In step three, gathering sizes will be increased to 100, people can return to the workplace full time and nightclubs, food courts and saunas will be allowed to reopen.
This final stage of the roadmap, predicted to be enforced by July, will also reinstate interstate travel and limited cross-Tasman and Pacific Island travel.
However, state governments are not required to follow the National Cabinet’s roadmap to the letter. States can opt out of some relaxed rules if that is what their Premier wants to dictate.
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