1:00pm, 14th May, 2020
NSW Government Permits Clubs To Operate Dining Facilities With Restrictions In Place
The NSW Government has announced that clubs will be permitted to operate dining facilities for up to 10 patrons from tomorrow, Friday 15 May 2020. Bar and gaming areas must remain closed.
The NSW Government is yet to release legislation which sets out in detail how the 10-patron cap will be applied. ClubsNSW will provide further guidance following the enactment of legislation.
While it will not be commercially viable for many clubs to open their dining facilities, some clubs will benefit from the 10-patron cap. For instance, golf and bowls clubs can offer a meal to their players after their game. Other clubs may see a benefit in accommodating some of their members who have been disengaged for several weeks.
ClubsNSW requests that member clubs notify ClubsNSW if they open their dining facilities in line with these restrictions, by emailing the Members Enquiries Centre at enquiries@clubsnsw.com.au. Understanding how the club industry responds to the NSW Government’s easing of restrictions will better inform ClubsNSW’s advocacy and assistance for the industry.
Clubs which choose to open their dining facilities must take active measures to mitigate risks associated with COVID-19. For instance, clubs must implement measures to promote social distancing and personal hygiene among both staff and patrons. Clubs may consider displaying signs encouraging physical distancing and good personal hygiene. Clubs are also encouraged to undertake strict cleaning procedures, which should include a deep clean of the dining facilities prior to reopening.
Consideration should also be given to how patrons will be allocated to the limited spaces. Clubs should avoid a scenario where several patrons queue for limited dining spaces, as this may lead to risks that patrons waiting for a table will breach social distancing standards.
Clubs are referred to ClubsNSW Circular 20-061 of 6 May 2020, which features information on the Safe Work Australia guidance for the hospitality industry. This guidance material sets out standards, and steps, to achieve those standards – to ensure the risks of COVID-19 are appropriately managed among staff and patrons.
ClubsNSW is developing a practical compliance guide for the club industry’s reopening. This guide will be circulated to Member Clubs once the range of legislative and other reopening standards become clear.
JobKeeper Payments for Employees Aged 16 or 17 Years Old
Further to circular 20-058, ClubsNSW has put together some information, including frequently asked questions, regarding JobKeeper payments for employees aged 16 or 17 years old. For more information on this update see circular 20-069.
For more information or any questions, please contact the ClubsNSW Members Enquiries Centre.