The Shout Magazine (New Zealand)

Mask up! New Level 2 guidelines for hospitality and liquor businesses

Every region outside of Auckland has now moved to Alert Level 2 – however, this time it comes with some new restrictions.

Masks are now mandatory for both staff and customers in both on- and off-premise venues.

Customers may remove their mask whilst eating and drinking, but they will need to have them on when entering or leaving the establishment and to use the bathrooms.

A new maximum indoor occupancy of 50 has been introduced (where previously it was 100) and record keeping is mandatory.

The three S rules continue to apply with diners needing to be seated, separated and served by a single server where possible.

“As an industry we are united in our desire to fully open our businesses and in a way that keeps staff and customers safe,” says Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois.

“We know that we can do this, but we do need to work together to ensure that we’re all sticking to the rules.”

A reminder of the guidelines for operating in Level 2:
– Indoor seating is restricted to a maximum of 50 people
– Outdoor spaces may have up to 100 people
– Face-coverings must be worn in public venues – customers may remove their masks to eat and drink
– All staff in customer contact businesses must wear a mask
– Record keeping is mandatory
– Ordering and collecting food and drinks at the counter is not permitted at bars or other licensed premises.
– The 3 S’s apply, this is Seated, Separated, Single Server

For more information about operating during Alert Level 2, click here.

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