Hemingway’s opens as restrictions ease today

RESTRICTIONS EASE



Businesses are rejoicing as stage three of Queensland’s roadmap to easing restrictions came into effect at midday today, including one of Port Douglas biggest venues, Hemingway’s Brewery, who will reopen its doors tonight.

Pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes will be afforded greater freedoms under stage three making it easier to operate with capacity limits risen.

The maximum number of patrons at any one time will now be determined by the four square metre rule, with divided areas no longer required.

For smaller venues below 200 square metres, businesses can have one person per two square metres up to 50 persons at a time.

For large venues such as Hemingway’s the previous capacity limits had made it difficult to open, but today’s easing, as well as the announcement that borders will reopen on 10 July, has prompted the brewery to throw open its doors.

Hemingway’s Marketing Manager, Kim Logan, said the team was extremely excited to welcome everyone back to the Port Douglas brewery.

“The easing of restrictions allows us to open for three days a week to gauge patronage,” she said.

“We truly hope that Port Douglas sees enough of an upsurge in visitors so we can once again return to something close to ‘business as usual.’ Only time will tell.”

The Port Douglas venue will be open Fridays and Saturdays 4:00pm to late and Sundays 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

And for those who loved the taste of Hemingway’s recent special FNQ Resilience Lager, which was sold in cans during the closure, you’re in luck, it will be available on tap.

“Finally, you can enjoy drinks on the marina again,” Ms Logan said.


RELATED:
- Hemingway's celebrates four years in Port Douglas


Other restrictions easing today

House parties are back on the cards with private gatherings now allowed up to 100 people in homes.

Weddings and funeral can also have up to 100 people.

Additional venues such as casinos, gaming and gambling venues (including electronic gaming machines), non-therapeutic massage, saunas and bathhouses, nightclubs and food courts can reopen.

Concert venues, theatres, and auditoriums can open and have up to 50 per cent capacity or one person per four square metres (whichever is the greater), with a COVID Safe Plan.

Maximum number of persons at museums, art galleries, libraries and historic sites determined by the one person per four square metre rule.

Contact indoor and outdoor community sport can start with an approved plan.

Up to 25,000 spectators or 50 per cent capacity (whichever is less) at Queensland’s Major Sports Facilities can re-open with a COVID Safe Plan.

More events will also be allowed in Queensland:
- Fewer than 500 people – no approval needed when following a COVID Safe Event Checklist
- 500 to 10,000 people – need a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by local public health units
- Over 10,000 people – need a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by the Queensland Chief Health Officer

See the full details from the Queensland Government roadmap for easing restriction here.



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