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Buy Surf Coast: Cheers to our local venues!

June 25, 2020 BY

Mr Archer Wine Bar will welcome customers from July 8.

Keen to get back into your favourite venue for a social drink? The wait is over for small gatherings under Victoria’s latest round of restriction updates, which came into play earlier this week.

Surf Coast restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs are now able to serve alcohol to up to 20 seated customers without food, as long as they adhere to the patrons-per-space rules. This is great news for local venues such as Mr Archer Wine Bar in Torquay North, Great Ocean Road Gin in Aireys Inlet and Bells Beach Brewery in Torquay, who are super keen to welcome patrons back into their venues.
These businesses have shown stamina and patience and have kept themselves ticking away thanks to online, takeaway and delivery offerings throughout the lockdown.
As Mr Archer Wine Bar owner Simon Burriss says: “We all just have to be mindful of the rules and if we follow them, things will get better and less complicated sooner. When we re-open from July 8, we will be doing our best to make it feel like there are no restrictions.”
While the businesses are excited to welcome customers back, they ask that everyone plays their part in keeping venues COVID-safe. Please adhere to the safety measures because the situation is still some way from normal. Be patient with hospitality businesses as they re-open their doors within the 20-person limit, as this brings other challenges such as additional cleaning, monitoring social distancing and recording customer contact details.
Great Ocean Road Gin owner Ann Houlihan, whose tasting room has limited space, said: “We are excited to announce that we will be opening for two weekends during the school holidays, commencing June 27 and 28th, for gin tastings and cocktails outside in the garden. Please be mindful that this will be weather dependent – so BYO blanket! – and with the limitations of six guests per table as we can only welcome smaller groups for now.”
For bigger venues like Bells Beach Brewing, re-opening on Thursday June 25, the challenge is managing expectations. As owner Jeff Crow said: “People are tired of these restrictions, we get it. But not following them or taking it out on your local businesses isn’t helping right now. Please do the right things and come have a beer with us.”
All three businesses are continuing their online ordering and delivery services. Head to their websites, social pages or buysurfcoast.com.au to confirm their most up-to-date hours
and offerings.

RESTAURANTS, CAFES, BARS AND PUBS
Limit of up to 20 seated patrons per space, indoor or outdoor
Maximum group sizes of 10 people (may be fewer at some venues as it is determined by their space, so please check before arriving)
Seated service of alcohol without food allowed.

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