In the context of the complicated epidemic situation in Australia's two most populous states, Victoria and New South Wales, the 24-hour economic development strategy of the New South Wales state government, with the capital city of Sydney, is expected to be discussed this month, with appropriate amendments to adapt to changes in business conditions caused by the pandemic.
The Committee for Sydney, a lobby group, is calling for changes to how cafes, restaurants and pubs operate, saying people would feel safer in outdoor venues with proper social distancing measures in place.
Sydney at night
Commission chief executive Gabriel Metcalf said discussions on a night-time economy strategy needed to focus on the transformational measures needed to save businesses as the NSW government and public remained on high alert for the risk of coronavirus infection.
Metcalf said streets should be reserved for nightlife and urged neighborhood leaders to make it easier for outdoor businesses as people increasingly avoid indoor dining. “People want more streets and open spaces for nightlife, like outdoor dining and performances,” Metcalf said. “Neighborhood leaders need to close some streets to traffic to create more space for people to gather.”
Mr Metcalf said it was important to make people feel comfortable going outside and the city could make better use of outdoor spaces, including rooftops. Mandatory masks in indoor spaces would not only help stop the spread of the virus but also make people feel safe to leave their homes.
Dining areas near the Sydney Opera House
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian last week urged young people to limit social contact after a man in his 20s in Sydney tested positive for Covid-19 but visited seven restaurants, pubs and a Woolworths supermarket in 48 hours. People in their 20s account for the highest rate of Covid-19 infections in New South Wales and nationally. The NSW government has no plans to impose a limit on the number of venues a person can visit in a night, but has warned of the dangers of infected people going to multiple bars and pubs.
Kensington Street in Chippendale
Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Scully said the City Council moved quickly to allow food and drink on footpaths before restrictions were imposed in late March to ensure businesses could continue to operate safely.
In June, the City Council approved a 12-month trial of banning scooters from Kensington High Street in Chippendale from Thursday to Sunday to allow restaurants to set up tables outside. Kensington High Street is home to a number of restaurants, pubs and galleries, as well as a row of Asian food stalls. Earlier this year, before the pandemic, the “food street” was seeing up to 4,000 visitors a day. Kensington High Street said that banning scooters from 11am four days a week has helped many restaurants, as more people have come to see it as a safe place to visit.
