Hotel and restaurant owners in Lakes Entrance, Metung and Lake Tyers Beach are disappointed with the updated COVID regulations for operation.
There is an air of disappointment that only 10 diners are allowed in a premises at one time and 20 outdoors, the State Government stepping away from its square metre ruling during last week’s easing of restrictions in regional Victoria.
Tony Carroll, for the Waterwheel Tavern at Lake Tyers Beach, said it is just not viable to open.
“Realistically we need 40 to 60 people to make it worthwhile,” he said.
“The 20 people outside is very weather dependent with our premises and we have tried doing takeaway, but that has not worked well either.”
IMAGE: Rex and Jeanette Mockett, of Kalimna, were glad to be able to get back to the Central Hotel for a parma on Saturday night. The pub has reopened, despite the limitations on patron numbers under the current COVID restrictions.