South Australians will be able to enjoy an indoor meal with a glass of wine at restaurants and cafes from as early as Friday as the Marshall Liberal Government moves to accelerate local jobs and business recovery.
From Friday, all cafes and restaurants will be permitted to seat up to a total of 20 patrons (10 inside and 10 outside) as well as sell alcohol to diners.
And from Friday June 5, all pubs across the state will be permitted to open giving hardworking hoteliers and their patrons a much-needed economic and morale boost ahead of the long weekend.
The Government will outline the "principles-based approach" to this in coming days.
Premier Steven Marshall said South Australians' ongoing success in helping limit the spread of COVID-19 has enabled the Government to further ease restrictions on advice of the transition committee with just one new case recorded in SA in the last 28 days.
"This is all about accelerating local economic and jobs recovery, while rewarding South Australians for their outstanding efforts over many weeks in helping stop the spread of this virus," said Premier Marshall.
"We know thousands of small businesses and their employees have been doing it incredibly tough recently, through no fault of their own, and my Government is committed to working with them to ensure they get back to business as quickly and as safely as possible.
"We have already injected $1 billion in economic stimulus, including $10,000 emergency cash grants for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, while the Federal Government's JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme has supported thousands of local jobs.
"And now, by bringing forward the ability for restaurants and cafes to offer indoor dining and serve alcoholic beverages to Friday, we will further support our hospitality sector as it recovers from the greatest economic challenge of our time.
"Hotels can also look forward to opening earlier than scheduled to capitalise on the entire June long weekend, which will bring a further economic and morale boost for South Australians."
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said South Australia's world class testing regime, decisive action in closing our borders and the community's acceptance of COVID-19 restrictions has made us one of the safest places in the world
"The fact that South Australia has not had any new cases for almost a fortnight and that South Australians are coming forward in increasing numbers to be tested has put us in a position where we can allow indoor dining in restaurants and cafes," said Minister Wade.
"Just seven weeks ago as the pandemic was sweeping into Australia the prospect of South Australians enjoying a meal out with friends seemed very remote indeed.
"Whilst the return of indoor dining and the option of having a drink with your meal is a welcome step towards normality, we must not become complacent about the ongoing need to protect ourselves and each other from COVID-19.
"Other countries have experienced second waves of coronavirus infections after seemingly having it beat and other states of Australia are still recording both new cases and community transition.
"Cafes and restaurants will need to follow strict hygiene procedures when reopening. I urge all South Australians to continue to practice the personal health measures that have bought us so much success in controlling COVID-19."
