Why millions of Australians WON'T be able to enjoy a beer at the pub on June 1 when boozers are finally allowed to reopen
- Many pub-goers will not be able to drink at their local watering hole on June 1
- At least one staffer is required to do the Victorian Government's online training
- But COVID-19 training is only available from June 1, the same day as reopening
- Victorian pubs are likely to be delayed in their openings due to this obstacle
- NT and WA pubs are open for business and will further ease restrictions in June
- NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, SA, and the ACT all have similar pub restrictions
- All of these states only allow ten patrons who must order a meal with their drinks
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Millions of pub-goers could be denied their first cold beer of lockdown as thousands of pubs are likely to be delayed by a government’s COVID-19 training program.
Pubs will reopen to up to 20 diners in Victoria on June 1, which is the same day the Victorian government's online COVID-19 training will become available.
For a pub to reopen, at least one staffer is required to complete the online training.
But pub openings may be delayed as staff may not be able to complete their training in time for reopening.
Australian Hotels Association Victorian chief executive Paddy O’Sullivan said pub staff should get earlier access to training, according to The Herald Sun.
Three mates enjoy some pints at a Bondi restaurant on May 15. Restaurants and pubs across the country will ease restrictions on June 1, but some in Victoria may be delayed
An empty Beer DeLuxe is seen on May 14 in Melbourne (pictured) after bars and pubs were closed down because of coronavirus restrictions
'Cafes, restaurants and other food and drink facilities need to ensure at least one staff member at the venue has completed the training,' the Victorian government guidelines read.
While it is compulsory for one staff member at each pub to do the training, all staff and managers are 'encouraged' to complete it.
When Victorian pubs reopen on June 1, customers will have to order a meal with their drinks. Diners will be required to sit and public bar areas will remain closed.
In the Northern Territory, pub-goers have been allowed to order drinks with a meal and stay at bars for two hours at a time since May 15.
But from June 5, the two-hour limit will be lifted, allowing night clubs to reopen and alcohol to be purchased from public bar areas.
Meanwhile in Western Australia, up to 20 people are allowed to drink at pubs, provided they also order a meal. This restriction is expected to ease up later in June.
A group of women enjoy glasses of wine with their pizzas in Bondi Beach on May 15 (pictured) after restrictions were eased
NSW pubs currently allow ten people to drink with their meals. But from June 1, pubs will be able to seat up to 50 people, provided they adhere to social distancing.
In Queensland, urban pubs can seat up to ten diners while rural pubs can take 20. From June 12, this will increase to 20 in the city and 50 in the outback.
Like other states, bars and gaming are not permitted and customers must also order a meal with their drinks.
Pubs in South Australia may have ten indoor patrons and ten customers outdoors at a time and only serve alcohol with meals.
A group of mates are seen on May 15 in Darwin (pictured) enjoying some drinks after restrictions were lifted
A near-empty pub is seen in Melbourne on May 18 (pictured) shortly before restrictions were brought in, but many may face a delay in reopening
From June 1, SA pubs will be allowed to serve alcohol without food, but only to seated patrons.
Venues will also be allowed up to 80 diners, as long as they are in groups of 20 in separate rooms or areas and each person is allowed four square metres.
Tasmanian pubs allow up to ten diners per dining room, provided there is one person per four square metres and everyone orders a meal. From June 15, the limit will be increased to 20.
Lastly, ACT pubs can host ten diners provided they order food with their drinks. From May 30, up to 20 people will be permitted to dine, provided there is four square metres per person.
Bar staff making drinks at the Rio, Summer Hill, Sydney (pictured on May 15) as bars prepare to reopen
