A DEGREE of normality will return to Millicent from Monday when some trading restrictions relating to the COVID-19 virus across the state are eased.
Patrons will be able to have a meal and drink again at two of the town’s pubs although conditions will apply.
Somerset Hotel/Motel proprietor Alex Gordon said the updated rules will allow for 15 seated patrons in the Sovereign Bar, 20 in the dining room and 20 in the Bottom Bar.
He said customers would be able to order a alcohol at the bars but must be seated when consuming their drinks.
Premier Steven Marshall announced the easing of some restrictions three days ago and Mr Gordon said the week’s notice was sufficient to ready his business.
At the time of the restrictions around 10 weeks ago, the Somerset had a workforce of 42.
With the assistance of the JobKeeper incentive, the premises currently has 17 staff working and Mr Gordon is hopeful this number will steadily increase.
“We will be offering an extensive menu and two sittings each at lunch and tea,” Mr Gordon said.
“Our serving times will be at 11.45am, 1pm, 5.45pm and 7pm.
“This will give people an hour to have their meal and then there will be a 15-minute gap to allow us to set up for the next sitting.”
The hotel’s drive-through bottle department has extended its hours.
Mr Gordon said cash was accepted at the bottle shop, but cards were preferred.
He said there were still statewide restrictions on gaming machines and TAB betting.
There have been takeaway meals on offer while the motel units at the Somerset remained available throughout the period of COVID-19 related restrictions Advice against intrastate travel was removed a few weeks ago but Mr Gordon said he was yet to see a pick-up in this aspect of the business.
In the meantime, Mr Gordon is busily overseeing various cleaning and other preparatory tasks ahead of Monday.
“We are really looking forward to having people back at the Somerset,” he said.
The Grand Hotel will also reopen for business on Monday.
Premier Steven Marshall said the government was opening up South Australia for business as fast as possible while protecting residents from the possibility of a second wave of infections.
“A quick drink in the pub after work is a great part of our social life and it will be fantastic to welcome that back from Monday,” he said.
“But I need to stress to people looking forward to a drink in a front bar, maintain social distancing, wash hands thoroughly and stay home if you are sick.”
Mr Marshall urged businesses to complete a COVID-Safe plan to help keep staff, customers and the broader community safe.
“South Australian’s response to the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic has been outstanding but we will need to continue to modify our behaviour if we are going to keep the virus at bay,” he said.
“I’m convinced South Australian businesses overwhelmingly understand the importance of complying with the requirements in helping keep COVID-19 under control.
“The six principles that underpin the COVID-Safe plan are designed to limit the likelihood of community transmission of coronavirus, when cases appear in the future.
“COVID-Safe plans are a crucial component of enabling South Australia’s economy to reopen in a safe and sustainable fashion.”
