A cautious comeback for eateries

CAMERON WHITELEY

RELIEVED Tasmanian restaurant and cafe owners have been allowed to open the doors of their businesses again, welcoming customers to dine in as the first stage of coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

A selection of hospitality businesses decided to recommence trade, with up to 10 diners permitted to be seated at any one time.

For many, it was an extension to a takeaway-only model adopted in recent months, but for others, reopening for such a small amount of customers was not viable.

Tasmanian Small Business Council chief executive Robert Mallett said the initial response to the lifting of restrictions was positive, but said it would take time to assess the full benefit.

Mr Mallett said he had noticed more retailers trading again, but said many restaurants and cafes were still weighing up whether reopening at this stage was worth it.

He said more hospitality businesses in the Hobart CBD would reopen once more people returned to their normal workplaces in the city.

“As the confidence of the customers increases and they’re more game to come out and do those things, small businesses will choose to open,’’ he said.

Small Business Minister Sarah Courtney said the gradual easing of restrictions would allow many hospitality businesses to start their recovery.

“I’d like to acknowledge those businesses that have worked so hard. This has been an extraordinary time for them and their staff,’’ she said.

“We do want to see our businesses reopening, but we have to do it on Public Health advice. It is absolutely critical we don’t see a second wave here in Tasmania.”

Ms Courtney said businesses were being assisted to develop COVID-safe plans for their businesses, with all workplaces having to comply with minimum standards by June 15.

She said the Government had developed guidelines for the hospitality industry, with checklists available online to ensure businesses were complying with standards.

Ms Courtney yesterday visited Da Angelo restaurant in Battery Point, with business director Angelo Fraraccio saying diners would be welcomed again from next week.

Mr Fraraccio said Da Angelo had still been operating for takeaway, and thanked loyal customers for helping to keep the business ticking over during the coronavirus lockdown.

Labor leader Rebecca White said there were many hospitality industry businesses who were not able to reopen because a limit of 10 customers at a time was not viable.

“We need to make sure that we support these tourism and hospitality businesses, and others who might have been hosting events and other festivals, to make sure that they can remain viable,’’ she said.