Many restaurants and cafes opened last week as part of the Government's alert level 2 hospitality staggered start. But many bars were delayed from opening their doors for another week.
But it is basically back to normal from today, which is a relief for those in the industry.
Said Dave McLachlan, owner of the Rose and Thistle Bar in Papanui: "It'll be great to see our loyal customers back.
"The hospitality industry has been hit hard, so good to be back in business for patrons and staff."
McLachlan has owned the Rose and Thistle on Main North Rd near Northlands for three years and has been in the hospitality industry for 15 years.
It has never been as tough as it is now, he said.
"But we must look forward and return to being an important and integral part of the local community."
The opening of bars will also see poker machines and TAB facilities back in operation.
All of the required precautions would be in place from today, including table service and social distancing, said McLachlan.
Hospitality New Zealand is making a bid to try and allow patrons to be served at the bar instead of being tabled served.
Its Canterbury branch president Peter Morrison said some of the larger bars and hotels could struggle with the restriction preventing customers from being served at the bar.
Currently, people must be seated at a table in groups of no more than 10 and would be served by an individual staff member.
"It's not perfect because you're only allowed to take 100 so the bigger bars will struggle and if they're still using the same rules as last week it's very labouring," said Morrison.
He has been in discussion with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and hoped to have an answer today.
