Excitement as eateries open again
New rules to follow, but return of diners welcome — even under level 2 restrictions
Bay of Plenty hospitality businesses are opening at alert level 2 with hope and caution. All of New Zealand, except Auckland, moved to alert level 2 at 11.59pm yesterday. Auckland will remain at level 4 until at least September 14.
Businesses and services can open at level 2 but must follow public health rules such as a 50-person limit for indoor venues. People must keep a record of wherever they visit, follow physical distancing measures and are encouraged to wear face coverings whenever they are not eating or drinking.
Strand eatery Oscar and Otto coowner Catherine Macloughlin said she had been busy yesterday morning spacing out the tables.
“We have got our premises split into two so we will be able to accommodate everyone nicely.” Macloughlin didn’t think the 50-person limit or the social distancing would be a problem, but there were other downsides to the new level 2.
“The single server compliance is an extra labour cost for us that does make it complicated and expensive.” Macloughlin said the number of people in Tauranga who continued to work from home in level 2 could also have an effect on Oscar and Otto.
“I don’t know how busy it will be with most of the corporates still working from home. That is a concern for us and it does have an impact on our business.”
But Macloughlin said overall the level change has “not been too much of a drama”.
“We have had a few trial runs and we kind of do know what we’re doing.
“It’s exciting to be able to open again and to see people. We’re really looking forward to that.”
Pluto Juice Bar Mount Maunganui customer service employee Veronika Alexander said she was excited to get back into the rhythm of work.
“We’ve been back for takeaways since level 3 but for shorter opening hours. It’s been great to do something outside of the house and beautiful to see the customers again.”
From level 2, Pluto’s customers will be able to eat their salads in-store.
“Following lockdown restrictions will be pretty easy,” Alexander said.
“We’re pretty conscious of the social distancing. We’ll make sure that customers will sit in their bubble and we normally don’t sit more than 10 people in here anyway so that won’t be an issue here at all.”
Falafel Metro owner Ariel Cottan said his businesses’ outdoor seating would help maintain social distancing.
“We are hoping that it is going to be better to have some people eating and sitting and to get the vibe back together.”
Cottan said he and his staff were “very optimistic” about level 2.
“We’re definitely looking forward to being open again. I’m hoping it will be like after last lockdown with people coming very motivated.”
Macau Restaurant & Lounge owner Rochelle Cameron said the business would find the new 50-person limit “difficult”.
“Our capacity would be 100 people. So obviously we’ve now halved that.”
Cameron said although the announcement was “disappointing”, Macau’s staff felt lucky to be operating.
“We’re all excited. I’m sure everyone is excited to get out and about. It was nice to have a little downtime but it’s great to get the doors open again.”