When Pubs And Restaurants Will Open: A Breakdown

Exactly When Pubs And Restaurants Will Be Allowed To Open

By now, you've probably become accustomed to your new at-home normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And while a glass of red wine at the end of the workday is still very much part of your routine, its not quite the same when shared with friends and colleagues.

This week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a three-stage plan to begin reopening the country, which included a relaxation of rules on pubs, cafes and restaurants. All new guidelines are “subject to the health advice”, so the dates provided are still subject to change.

Below, how pubs and restaurants will be allowed to operate state-by-state.

NSW

Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to seat up to 10 patrons at a time from May 15. "So, even if there's multiple rooms or multiple facilities in a venue, it's only up to 10 people in one venue," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

ACT

From May 16, pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes and bars will reopen in Canberra, with a 10 person limit at each venue. Pubs and bars will only be permitted to serve alcohol with food.

Queensland

From May 16, dining-in at restaurants, cafes, pubs, registered and licensed clubs, RSL clubs and hotels for a maximum of 10 patrons at one time will be allowed. The rules are more relaxed in rural and regional Queensland though, allowing up to 20 patrons inside restaurants and pubs at a time for locals only – proof of residence must be shown.

South Australia

From May 11, restaurants and cafes have been allowed to seat up to 10 patrons in outdoor dining areas.

Victoria

Victoria continues to have the strictest rules nation-wide with no date set for the reopening of pubs, clubs, cafes or restaurants to in-house patrons. The situation is expected to be reassessed at the end of May.

Western Australia

From May 18, restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, clubs, hotels and casinos will be able to serve up to 20 patrons at one time.

Northern Territory

Restaurants, cafes and food courts will be open for patrons to dine-in. There are no limits to how many people are allowed in each venue however, customers must leave after two hours. Bars, sports and RSL clubs will be also allowed to trade, provided alcohol is consumed with food.

Tasmania

Pubs, restaurants and cafes reopened on May 11, allowing 10 patrons at a time. Bars and gaming facilities remain closed.

Grace Back

Grace is our Digital Content Manager. When not stuck in a seemingly endless Instagram scroll, you'll find Grace with her head in a good book.

Magshop's $50,000 Winter Giveaway-Save up to 40%

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now

Magshop's $50,000 Winter Giveaway-Save up to 40%

Magazine Subscription Offer