A warm welcome back
Pubs, restaurants to open their doors
AFTER 10 long weeks of waiting it’s time to dine at Geelong’s eateries.
The Waurn Ponds Hotel is among scores of pubs, restaurants and cafes that will welcome back patrons today.
Manager Margaret Spence said the first round of meals at the hotel would be served from 11.30am, with new diners welcomed every two hours after the venue has been thoroughly cleaned.
“I think a lot of people are keen to get out and have a meal; and we’re looking forward to serving them, and getting back to work,” Ms Spence said.
To meet coronavirus safety limits, strict rules have been introduced at The Ponds and its sister venue, The Norlane Hotel.
Bistros, public bars and function rooms have been stripped of all furniture, bar 20 seats per room for diners, with maximum tables of six people.
Table service will be provided, and patrons are only allowed entry if ordering a meal.
“It’s a start isn't it?” Ms Spence said.
“Public health and safety is the most important thing, so we need everybody to understand the rules and adhere to them, and that’s across the whole industry.
“If that happens we should be able to go up to 50 (people per room) on the June 22.
“The sooner we can get back to normal the better.”
Many employees at the hotels who have been receiving JobKeeper payments during the closure will return to work today.
Ms Spence said there would be five meal sittings each day (11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm).
The Ponds will use its different rooms to host up to 115 patrons, while The Norlane Hotel could accommodate about 50.
Bookings are not essential, but are advisable.