A Dubbo club says new rules to come into force from Friday are already in action on the premises and are a good measure because "we don't want to go back into lockdown".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Club Dubbo chief executive officer Rod Firth said from the day of reopening after a 10-week COVID closure, the venue had operated under a suite of measures to minimise the risk.
This included signing people in and out electronically, not allowing bookings of more than 10 people, and spacing out furniture to enable social distancing, he said.
On Friday Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced tighter restrictions put in place for hotels would be extended to clubs, restaurants, cafes and all indoor hospitality venues.
They included halving the group booking size to 10, capping maximum capacity of dining areas at 300 and requiring all patrons to sign in and provide contact details, among other measures.
Mr Firth said Club Dubbo had completed a major renovation and extension late last year, which was having an extra benefit in the COVID period.
"We're very fortunate, we've got large lounge areas, so that enables us to be able to social distance without any problems with furniture," he said.
Mr Firth said patrons had been cooperative with the requirements.
Industry body ClubsNSW reported of engaging with the NSW government through the process to strengthen the industry's "already robust" COVID-safe plan.
Clubs NSW CEO Josh Landis said the additional requirements complemented a range of other measures already in place at NSW clubs that went above and beyond government requirements.
"These include temperature testing of staff and patrons, the requirement for patrons to sign out and staff infection control training," he said.
"A recent ClubsNSW survey of member clubs found that 92 per cent have already employed a dedicated CovidSAFE ambassador to enforce social distancing, so [the] announcement affirms the robust proactive approach taken by the club industry."
Visitors were urged to follow all the rules for their own and everyone else's safety.
"Anyone who is feeling unwell should stay at home, and patrons visiting a club need to help staff by following the rules so that everyone is safe and has a good time," Mr Landis said.
Mr Landis had a message for patrons.
"NSW clubs have had a tough year, with drought, bushfires and most recently COVD-19 having a devastating impact, so it's important that patrons come back and support their local club, in the knowledge that they are doing so in a COVID-safe way," he said.
