Free beer! Queensland pubs say cheers to patrons’ return
Queensland's outback pubs, including the Birdsville Hotel, will be able to serve up to 20 people from this weekend. Photo: Getty
Outback pubs and clubs are about to open their doors for the first time in weeks, and the beer tab will be picked up by one of Queensland’s best-known breweries.
The state’s XXXX Brewery has donated 3000 litres of beer to regional venues hard hit by drought and the COVID-19 lockdown.
“The XXXX Gold will be travelling out west, over thousands of kilometres, going of course to places like Blackall, Barcaldine, Ilfracombe, Longreach – the list is endless,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said at the Milton brewery on Wednesday.
“I’m quite sure there is going to be a lot of happy patrons, a lot of happy families.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the XXX brewery on Wednesday. Photo: AAP
From Saturday, outback pubs will be able to welcome 20 patrons, while other Queensland venues can welcome 10.
It follows moves to re-open the state’s parks, playgrounds and barbecues, as Queensland moves toward reopening following a streak of no new coronavirus cases.
The state had one new coronavirus case to report on Wednesday morning – in a person diagnosed interstate but added to Queensland’s tally when they returned home.
Of the 1052 cases recorded in Queensland during the pandemic, only 18 people are yet to recover.
Road trips are also back on the agenda from Saturday with Queenslanders allowed to travel up to 150 kilometres from home – increasing to 500 kilometres for those in the outback.
Parks and beachfronts will be reopened, along with many skate parks, outdoor basketball courts and sports fields, for groups of up to 10.
Tweet from @AnnastaciaMP
Despite the gradual easing of social distancing restrictions, authorities continue to urge people with respiratory illness symptoms to get tested.
State chief health officer Jeannette Young has also previously urged Queenslanders to get flu vaccinations before employees begin to return to offices across the state.
The low rate of coronavirus cases across the state is likely to lead to further restrictions being eased.
Up to five people from the one household are currently permitted to visit another home.
From Saturday, up to 10 people will be able to gather outside at weddings, pools and for exercise.
Kindy, prep, and students from years 1, 11 and 12 returned to the classroom this week. Other years are expected to return to school from May 25.
-AAP
