Getting set to reopen

Capes hospitality businesses have welcomed the easing of COVID-19 social restrictions allowing them to reopen on Monday.

Good Egg cafe director Deb Hallyburton said she was excited to open for 20 people but restrictions would make it difficult for businesses who relied on dine-in.

“I’m excited because I think it’s going in the right direction but my staff are a bit worried about how people will view the restrictions,” she said.

“The distancing restrictions mean it will be difficult for businesses to fit 20 customers but we’re lucky we have upstairs.

“Our restrictions include seating bookings for meals only and a 11/2 hour time limit.”

Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Smart said next week would be a big week for business.

“Restaurants and cafes reopening will help the general mind-state of the community,” he said.

“It’s welcome for a lot of business and allows them to trade somewhat as normal, re-hiring some staff and helping people in the community get back to work.”

However the Times understands most bigger hospitality venues would not immediately reopen.

Caves House Hotel manager Chrissy Tenger said the restaurant’s opening was not anticipated until July. “We’re a big venue and 20 people every two hours just wouldn’t work for us,” she said.

After losing much of March and April’s revenue – which would normally get the hotel through the winter months – due to cancellations and closure– she said a recent increase in hotel bookings would allow the venue to start bringing back staff and help the venue gear up for reopening.

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said the easing of restrictions was welcome news and would give businesses time to set up, take bookings, arrange staff and market themselves.

“Our South West border has been opened based on medical advice, and given the fact that our hospitals and medical centres now have additional capacity and that testing is readily available, the region is well placed going forward,” she said.

“While there is no evidence of community spread, the risk is still there and we all must maintain personal responsibility in ensuring that we can continue to see the easing of restrictions.”