The state government’s decision to allow cafes and restaurants to reopen has been welcomed by Bellarine Peninsula businesses.
With 20 people allowed inside cafes and restaurants from June 1, many local businesses have decided to reopen, although some have preferred to wait until June 22 when 50 customers are allowed.
Zebra Bar’s Caron Zillwood said she would reopen on Wednesday, June 3, for dine-in dinner Wednesday to Sunday and lunch Saturday and Sunday. Takeaway would continue to be available.
“Dan Andrews’ notice of two weeks before reopening has given us the time to redesign our processes to adhere to Victorian government rules and guidelines,” she told the Voice.
“Changing to table service means we have had to work out new systems.
“We hope that our new processes will work smoothly from day one. But it’s all new. Opening straight away gives us the opportunity to tweak things and get everything right.”
Ms Zillwood said relaxing of the COVID-19 restrictions would be “great for everyone”.
“There will be challenges, but we’ll work through them as they arise,” she said.
Ocean Grove’s Driftwood Cafe reopened for sit-down customers on Monday with owner Ty Simons saying the venue can legally fit 30 diners.
“There was a 30-page document put out on Monday that has every detail of our new way of serving spelled out” he said.
“This includes very strict rules about capacity although we can fit 12 in the front, eight in the back and 10 down the side.
“We are very lucky that The Driftwood is big enough and has separate areas that we can fit 30 people in internally.
“Others have smaller spaces to work with and it may not be worth their while to open to dine in patrons. We feel for them and hope that restrictions are lifted soon to allow them to open too.”
Jak Evans runs The Dunes and At The Heads.
He said The Dunes will continue with takeaway trade only until 22 June, but At The Heads reopened from 1 June to strong bookings.
The Sharp Group incorporates several local businesses, including Flying Brick Cider House and Leura Park Estate.
Lyndsay Sharp said her organisation would reopen after the 50-person limit came into effect, however Leura Park Estate’s cellar door has reopened for wine and cider takeaway sales.
Ms Sharp described the cellar door reopening as “another baby step in a positive direction”.
“It’s been truly exciting to welcome people back through the doors and the feedback has been so positive which has been really encouraging.”
“We are working towards reopening all venues after June 22 if and when the parameters are extended to 50 patrons – and hopefully outside as well,” she said.
Ms Sharp said larger venues, such as Flying Brick, with the capacity to seat many customers were not as suitable for the 20-person limit as smaller establishments.
“Some of our venues are essentially ‘barns’ and the overall patron experience we like to provide might be compromised.”
