NSW Premier Confirms Restrictions Put Back On Pubs & Hotels

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed reports that some restrictions will be put back on pubs and hotels across the state. 

With news that COVID cases in NSW have reached 21, following a cluster which broke out at Casula's Crossroads Hotel last week and some Sydney venues being cited as "potentially infectious”, Berejiklian has confirmed that group bookings will be pushed back from 20 to 10, larger venues must have a capacity of no more than 300 people and patrons must be seated at all times. 

Appearing on The Today Show this morning, Berejilklian said the restrictions will only apply to pubs and hotels at this stage, while a full time marshal must be present at all larger venues.

"This is about reducing those high risk activities which are allowing the virus to spread in ways we don't want that to happen," Berejiklian said.

"Again, it comes down to all of us doing the right thing."

The NSW Government worked with the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) on the tightened restrictions, who came forward with suggestions. 

"We do not want to see an increase in the numbers that may lead to a further shutdown," AHA Director John Green told ABC today. 

"We can't afford to shut down our venues like they've done in Victoria." 

Green added that people must comply with the restrictions or face "disastrous" consequences.

"Obviously reducing our numbers is disappointing, a further shutdown would be disastrous both for the venues - many of which may never reopen but also for the economy and employment across New South Wales and, of course, Australia," he said.

It comes after Assistant Police Commissioner Scott Cook yesterday slammed the "moronic behaviour" of some people and venues which included multiple parties in the eastern suburbs being shut down over the weekend, as well as The Golden Sheaf in Double Bay being fined $5,500 for having hundreds of punters queuing outside the venue last week.

"The moronic behaviour of people at dance parties has got to stop and we will continue to seek these people out and, where appropriate, take actions," Cook said.

"The time for warnings has passed and that’s in defence of us as a community. We are all responsible for our own actions here and we need to be serious about this.

"We have come a long way. Complacency is the ally of the virus. We need to take this seriously. It is a massive wake-up call for us all and we need to get back on the bus together."

"Nothing will be normal until there's a vaccine. All of us have to live with this and all of us have to make sure we don't let our guard down at any time." Tougher restrictions are expected to be reintroduced for pubs and clubs across New South Wales. #9Today pic.twitter.com/WqSV0ogUHX

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) July 13, 2020