10/05/2020
Phase 2 of eased restrictions in Western Australia come into effect on Monday 18 May.
Among other changes, this will mean that cafΓ©s and restaurants can reopen for dine-in service, limited to 20 patrons at a time and with the 4 square metre per person capacity rule applied.
This also includes dine-in meal service within pubs, bars, community clubs, hotels and the casino though they will need to operate as a restaurant, with seated service and alcohol only served with food.
The resumption of dine-in services at cafes and restaurants is an important step forward in our Stateβs recovery.
I feel deeply for those who have been forced to close and staff who have lost their job - it has been heartbreaking. I wish these restrictions had never had to happen.
This is an important step forward, and while we understand that this change may still not allow all venues to viably reopen at this stage, it will give many WA businesses a chance to restart in some form.
For venues that have been providing takeaway services through this period, that may continue to occur alongside dine-in meal service. Customers picking up takeaway will not count towards the 20 patron limit, though if waiting they should do so outside the venue.
Businesses or premises that want to reopen in line with these changes will be required to complete an official COVID Safety Plan. More details on this will be released shortly, in consultation with industry.
To assist small businesses to reopen we are also look to relax alfresco boundaries for businesses.
Today I am writing to Local Governments and asking them to work with us on a temporary arrangement to provide more flexibility for businesses and help them accommodate customers up to the 20 patron limit.
We know for some businesses there will be insufficient room to accommodate 20 seated patrons and abide by the 4 square metre rule at the same time - so in these instances, we want to encourage cafes and restaurants to expand their alfresco footprint, where possible.
This means relaxing alfresco trading boundaries, associated local laws and any leasing conditions, so more space can be incorporated into their 4 square metre calculations.
We hope to finalise these arrangements over the course of the week with Local Governments and will provide updates and further details once they are available.