NSW Pubs To Allow Up To 50 Patrons From Next Month

NSW pubs, cafes and restaurants will be allowed to let in up to 50 patrons from 1 June. 

As ABC reports, state Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the news at a press conference in Sydney today, saying the move will need to be done within a "safe environment".

"We already know that, for many of these businesses, they won't be coming back at all. But for those who are viable, for those who have managed to hang on, we're ensuring that we can work together to provide that safe environment," Berejiklian said.      

"Things will be very different. Imagine even something as simple as having joint cutlery on a table won't be able to exist anymore. A simple buffet won't exist anymore."

However, Berejiklian that customers must only receive table service and that there will be no standing areas.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard reiterated that operations of venues will be different from what we're used to.

"In this case, it would more likely be, though - and we’re working through this with industry - that each person who goes in would also give their name and phone number. That would certainly help keep all of us safe," he said.

"The way that we’re moving forward is in a cautious and sensible way. It has the maximum of 50 people in a cafe or restaurant, but a lesser number if the cafe or restaurant, defined by the four square metre rule, requires a lesser number. So, for example, if you had 80 square metres, you would have 20 people. That’s the basic lesson. Just do the basic maths."

The move comes just seven days after pubs, cafes and restaurants reopened with a limit of ten customers.