In news sure to delight those who have already powered through their quarantini stash (guilty), the NSW government has announced an amendment to the licensing laws around the sale of alcohol that will allow bars, cafes, restaurants and pubs in NSW to sell alcohol in a takeaway and home-delivery capacity.
On Monday 22, when the NSW announced the closure of all “non-essential” services to take effect the following midday, a vast number of businesses that included gyms, cinemas, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes were forced to shut their doors in an effort to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Restaurants and cafes were still able to operate around takeaway only, but the laws made little room for venues that relied on alcohol sales to survive. As such, the amendment to the licensing laws was announced as something of a lifeline to the small bar industry in NSW.
Liquor & Gaming NSW said in a statement: “The COVID-19 pandemic has created an exceptional set of circumstances and will have significant impacts on the businesses we regulate. Liquor & Gaming NSW appreciates that exceptional circumstances require flexibility on the part of the regulator.
“Not all licensed premises are authorised to sell alcohol for consumption off the premise. In these circumstances, Liquor & Gaming NSW will take a commonsense and pragmatic approach to enforcing the liquor and gaming laws. In particular, it is recognised that the risk profile of certain venues has changed and measures put in place to manage these risks are, in the current environment, largely redundant.”
The regulatory body says all venues that take part in this new initiative should have steps in place to guarantee their products are not sold to minors or intoxicated people.
In the coming days, your favourite bars will likely make it known to you if they’ll be taking advantage of the new delivery service via Instagram or their websites. Some beloved drinking holes have already made it known they’ll be taking part, much to our delight.
Kittyhawk in the Sydney CBD has announced its launching KittyBrings, a new service to deliver fine spirits and wines to your door. Jacoby’s Tiki Bar in Enmore is another popular spot that will be making the most of the initiative, while Dulcie’s in Kings Cross is delivering its cocktails, but also takeaway shakers, rentable glassware and branded coasters for the full experience.
The boutique bar even tells SMH patrons who buy takeaway drinks will have access to the in-house playlist for the full experience at home.
These new measures will reportedly stick around until indoor venues are allowed to open once more, and while there’s no official date or measure of time around this, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says social distancing could continue for six months.
And if that’s the case, you bet we’ll be taking advantage of this awesome new service from bars and restaurants, not only to show our support and get them through what is undoubtedly a tough time, but because I simply cannot stomach another gin and orange juice. Which is all I have left in my fridge.
The current health crisis is evolving rapidly. If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
