LOCAL publicans have been left underwhelmed by the latest relaxation of coronavirus restrictions announced by Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday.
Under the revised requirements, hospitality venues can increase their capacity from 50 to 70 people outside and from 20 to 40 people inside.
However, there is still a limit of 10 people per room and a requirement for four square metres of space per person, meaning many hotels may not be able to significantly increase patronage.
Jamie Williams, of The Bower Tavern, said he was angry that the continued conditions weren’t initially made clear.
“The increased limits sounded great until they released the actual conditions.
“You need four rooms to get 40 people inside, and it’s still one person per four square metres.
“Nothing much will change here at the tavern.”
Rob Fisher, of the Royal Hotel in Kerang, described himself as “beyond angry” at the changing array of restrictions and “adjustments” for the industry.
“I guess this is a little step but it’s not going to make much difference,” he said.
“Whether it’s enough to get the beer lines on and open the bar, I don’t know.”
Kerang Sports and Entertainment Venue manager Mat Chamberlain said the club was unlikely to open immediately but management would discuss the situation this week.
Also eased on Monday were rules around visiting people’s homes and visiting aged-care facilities.
People can now have two adult visitors from different households to their home every day, replacing the previous household bubble rule, while aged-care residents can receive multiple visitors from the same household.
In a change to attendance limits at outdoor religious gatherings and ceremonies, up to 20 people able to take part in services from this week.
Father Novi Lim said the Catholic church had been holding outdoor services for 10 people for several weeks and would wait until November 1, when 50 people would be permitted, to boost numbers.
“It’s good news because we’ll be able to see many parishioners who couldn’t previously come,” he said.
“But it’s a bit difficult because we don’t know about the weather.”
While libraries and toy libraries are now permitted to reopen to a maximum of 20 people, Gannawarra Shire Council has not yet indicated when its facilities will open their doors.
Among the next stage of changes, from November 1 non-contact indoor physical recreation for people under 18 will be permitted for a maximum of 20 people.
Non-contact indoor community sport for under-18s will also be allowed, with spectators limited to one parent, guardian or carer per child.
