VENUE TRADE WON’T STOP
TOOWOOMBA’S licenced venues are determined to remain open as they come to terms with the unfolding coronavirus outbreak.
Toowoomba’s Safe Night Precinct president Brad Fitzgibbons (right) said pubs would make changes to hygiene, capacity and in some cases security to ensure new guidelines were met on the first weekend since they had been introduced.
The Federal Government announced indoor gatherings of more than 100 people were banned, as well as outdoor events of 500 people or more.
It comes as the Qld Government reported more than 50 new cases across the state, including one in the Darling Downs Health region.
Tatts Hotel is one venue making substantial changes to its operation, closing its bistro and reducing its trading days.
THE president of Toowoomba’s Safe Night Precinct says the city’s pubs and clubs are determined to stay open in some capacity amid the unfolding coronavirus crisis.
Fitzy’s on Church publican Brad Fitzgibbons said Toowoomba’s licenced venues had been discussing changes to venue entrances and opening hours, following the Federal Government’s new guidelines around gatherings and social distancing.
Under the new rules, which have been enforced in Queensland and carry financial penalties, indoor gatherings of more than 100 people are banned and people must maintain 1.5m distance from one another.
Mr Fitzgibbons said while the situation was difficult, all venues had committed to work with the guidelines and stay open this weekend.
“We’re trading as per normal through this week, and we’re trying to support as many of our suppliers and customers through this time,” he said.
“Patrons and venues just need to take a commonsense approach.
“My interpretation of the guidelines (based on advice from the Queensland Hotels Association) is we’re allowed up to 100 people in each enclosed area, but a commonsense approach is needed.
“We’re not going to go around to patrons that you must maintain a 1.5m separation, but certainly we’ll encourage people to make that space.
“The flow of people through the venue is going to be challenging.”
Mr Fitzgibbons said all venues had stepped up their hygiene practices, especially with surfaces and highlyused items like doors.
“We do have a lot of increased hygiene procedures in place so people can make sure we’re taking it seriously,” he said.
“Trade on Wednesday was significantly down, but anyone who does come through the door we will hope to serve.
“We just want to keep the momentum going, (because) there’s certainly a lot of concern going through the industry.
“Momentum is the key and to let our customers know we are all open for business.” All venues who posted an update on social media or were contacted by The Chronicle confirmed they were adhering to the guidelines.
Some have closed elements of the venue, while others will add security to ensure there are no more than 100 people in one enclosure.