LIMESTONE Coast businesses will be able to operate at 50pc capacity when South Australia moves into phase three of eased restrictions from Monday.
A capacity cap of 300 people will be scrapped with Premier Steven Marshall yesterday announcing South Australia “back open for business”.
Instead, all venues and business operators will be subject to a one by two square metre density rule, allowing them to function at 50pc capacity until further notice.
Dean Group marketing operations manager Dion Di Vittorio said it would impact positively at Mount Gambier’s Macs Hotel.
“The one per four square metre rule did not really make a big difference and I know other smaller places have been hamstrung, so this is a positive step forward,” he said.
“It will be great to welcome back more people into the venue and operate at closer to a full capacity.”
The Premier also indicated nightclub activity and crowds at events would be part of imminent consideration.
“In addition to that some higher risk activities that had never ever been contemplated before, larger events and nightclubs, will be considered, but only after a comprehensive COVID management plan is put in place and approved by SA Health and the Transition Committee,” Mr Marshall said.
Mr Di Vittorio said such a decision would further increase operation at the prominent nightspot on weekends.
“I think it’s a fair point to wait until they have the 100pc all clear from SA Health, but of course it would provide a great boost for our venue,” he said.
“There really has not been any comment on whether people can stand up and drink yet and we are hoping those points are covered by the Australian Hotels Association tomorrow.”
Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce president Hayley Neumann said it was great to see businesses being able to return to greater functionality.
“Lots of the smaller cafes will be able to have more people sitting inside, which is particularly pleasing with all the horrible weather we have been having,” she said.
“There have been many businesses impacted as we know, so I am sure there would be a lot of smiles on faces after today’s announcement.”
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the decision was “long overdue”.
“I am very pleased the South Australian Government is moving towards easing all restrictions within the state, albeit not before time,” Mr Pasin said.
“It is long overdue for all restrictions to be lifted within South Australia, so our state’s economy can return to as close to business as usual as possible.”
BORDERS TIGHTENING
While the state economy will be given more breathing room, police will ramp up efforts on the Victorian border with extra police checkpoints to mitigate risks which could lead to a COVID-19 outbreak.
People who claim to be essential travellers entering South Australia, making them exempt from quarantine requirements, will also need pre-approval to enter the state however the finer details of this process are not yet known.
In light of the announcement, Limestone Coast Police officer in charge Superintendent Phil Hoff said the region would be supported by additional police officers from metropolitan service areas.
“People travelling in or near the borders will see more static sites and additionally there will be more mobile patrols along the areas which encompass roads less travelled,” Supt Hoff said.
“For all up to date information it is important for residents of the broader Limestone Coast area to inform themselves as to the State Controller’s Directions.”
With the borders set to be open to Victoria on July 20, Mr Pasin admitted he was apprehensive about Victoria’s current COVID-19 situation.
“I am increasingly nervous about lifting the curtain on the South Australian and Victorian borders, particularly in light of the situation in the current COVID-19 hot spot of Melbourne and greater surrounds,” he said.
“However, the concept of a travel bubble between South Australian and the western districts of Victoria is worthy of further consideration.”
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has been strongly advocating for the “bubble” and believed it would provide a further boost to Mount Gambier businesses.
“The latest cases in Victoria are not in the western communities and they have been COVID free for quite some time, so it is a low risk option to help our businesses further,” Mr Bell said.
He also expressed support for the pre-approval concept, which would relieve angst among crossborder community members.
“It is a good idea as it saves people a lot of time and angst because at least they have got the certainty they have been preapproved and will be allowed into the state,” he said.
CHANGES FROM MONDAY
• Capacity limits scrapped
• One person per two square metre rule for businesses and venues
• Extra police checkpoints on Victorian border
• Pre-approval required for essential travellers (details not yet released)
• Non-essential NSW and Victorian travellers still have to quarantine
• Contact indoor sport will resume
• Gaming rooms will re-open
• Food courts will re-open
• Nightclubs and large crowds at events under consideration
