Pubs, bars and brewpubs have been forced to close their doors from midday Monday 23 March as Australia continues to find ways to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Pubs, licensed clubs and hotels (excluding accommodation), places of worship, gyms, indoor sporting venues, cinemas and casinos were all ordered to close, while restaurants and cafes are currently only allowed to order takeaway options.
However, bottleshops have been classified as an “essential service“. This includes the bottleshops attached to pubs, bars and breweries.
Many breweries, like Black Hops on the Gold Coast, had already closed their hospitality venues last week in readiness for the shutdown. Others, like the Lord Nelson in Sydney have now closed their doors “for the unforeseeable future”.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued loyalty and support and we look forward to welcoming you back when this is all over,” the Lord Nelson said in a statement. “During this uncertain time, you can still get our brews from your local liquor stores or direct from the source.”
Bottleshops and breweries are being advised, however, that the pick-up option may not last forever. Subsequently, preparations for home delivery are being made.
Black Hops will be launching an online delivery app this week to help customers get hold of their beers safely.
Non-essential mass gatherings are banned for groups of more than 500 people outdoors, or more than 100 indoors.
Social distancing – staying 1.5 metres away from other people where possible – is also in force, while people should also wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
Additionally, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania are seeking to discourage border crossings except for the transport of essential goods. If you are seeking to cross into any of these states, you will need to spend 14 days in quarantine at the border before you’re allowed to continue.