You CAN go to the pub this month: Coronavirus booze hacks are revealed as states remove restrictions on pubs, RSLs and licensed clubs - but you WILL have to order food with your pint
- Punters will have to get crafty if they want to have pint with their pals this month
- Prime Minister Scott Morrison says bars and clubs will remain closed until July
- Restaurants, RSL clubs, hotels and pubs will soon reopen with strict rules
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced bars will likely remain closed until at least July under the government's plan to relax coronavirus restrictions.
But there are still a few ways to enjoy a pint with your pals while the rules are still in place.
Punters will be able head to licensed restaurants, RSL clubs, hotels and pubs for a meal and a beer this month as the first stage of the path forward begins.
From next month punters can head to licensed restaurants, RSL clubs, hotels and pubs for a meal and a beer as the first stage of the path forward begins
Under the relaxed rules, which were unveiled following a meeting with the state and territory leaders on Friday afternoon, only ten customers are allowed inside each venue at one time.
The first step is expected to begin in the coming days, with states and territories deciding which changes they will adopt and when.
Queensland has announced that up to 10 people at a time can dine in at restaurants, pubs, licensed clubs, RSL clubs and hotels from May 16.
Tasmania has announced similar measures, which will see restaurants, pubs and bars reopen on May 18 but with seated table service only.
In Northern Territory pubs can reopen from next Friday. The Territory hasn't had a COVID-19 case for a month and has no community transmission, unlike the eastern states.
Some small bars could open up earlier depending upon different state government restrictions.
The PM said restrictions will be gradually relaxed, with authorities hoping to reach the third and final stage by July, when the economy will almost completely reopen.
Under stage three 'pubs and clubs with some restrictions will be open, and also possibly gaming venues,' Mr Morrison said.
Under the relaxed rules, which were unveiled following a meeting with the state and territory leaders on Friday afternoon, only ten customers are allowed inside each venue at one time
But it will be up to state and territory governments to determine when the steps are reached, meaning a July date with a pint of beer isn't set in stone.
Each stage will last for four weeks to allow health officials to closely monitor rates of infection.
The second stage will allow gatherings of up to 20 people. Gyms, cinemas, and beauty therapies can restart then, as well as some inter-state travel.
Working from home will still be encouraged where possible under steps one and two.
Step three involves opening up most of the economy with gatherings of up to 100 people - and pubs and clubs opened with some unspecified restrictions.
Strip clubs and brothels will be kept closed.
Mr Morrison estimates the lifting of restrictions could restore 850,000 jobs - after one million were lost due to the lockdowns.
The current national baseline rules will be relaxed in three stages, with less risky activities such as sport and dining out starting before more dangerous ones such as clubbing and going to the cinema
He said the plan will see Australians 'walk before we run'.
The plan 'will see children back in classrooms and in play grounds in their communities. Golfers back on the green. Lap swimmers back in the pool. Boot camps back in the parks. Retail and small cafes and restaurants reopening.'
The Prime Minister warned that outbreaks will happen but, in a message to cautious state premiers, he said: 'Outbreaks are not a reason to slow things down.'
'Outbreaks are going to happen. All Premiers and chief ministers understand that. And so it's how you respond to them,' he said.
International flights will not proceed for the foreseeable future.
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