Bars will be able to trade again from midnight tonight, albeit with strict rules in place, after being forced to close due to Covid-19 restrictions.
While most businesses, including restaurants and cafes, were allowed to open last week, bars had to wait until Thursday as they posed the most risk, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.
Albar owner Steve Collins, of Dunedin, said he could not wait to get people through the door again on Thursday.
‘‘The customers are really excited.’’
However, as the new rules also required logistical changes, it would have been easier on bars to let them open on Monday rather than close to the busy weekend period, he said.
Having to wait an extra week had also caused issues, as
stock had been ordered in and the bar had been ready to open last week.
‘‘It’s obviously another week with no money, and still paying rent and still paying staff.’’
The Craic Irish Tavern and Thistle Cafe and Bar owner Claire Grenfell decided against opening last week, despite having the option to serve food.
That was for logistical and financial reasons.
‘‘So many people want to come into The Craic and have a Guinness, and maybe not the full commitment to a meal.
‘‘It would have been lovely to open last week and just be able to trade.’’
New measures included rearranging tables to allow for distancing, table service, and more staffing to allow for single servers.
She was ‘‘over the moon’’ about opening tomorrow, and hoped people would be keen to head out for a pint or wine and support local businesses.
