As the state’s hospitality sector celebrates the return of singing and dancing, the head of South Australia’s hotels association is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the impact of restrictions on the sector.
Australian Hotels Association (AHA) general manager Ian Horne said yesterday's announcement that restrictions, including density limits, would be removed in time for the weekend was "clearly fantastic news".
But he has also called on "whoever wins the state election" to establish a "transparent and detailed review of how COVID was managed" in South Australia.
Mr Horne said the inquiry would not act as a "witch hunt" but rather, would identify areas that could be improved.
"South Australia appeared, by comparison with all other jurisdictions, to be far more severe in their application of restrictions," he said.
"The industry has suffered for two years, every single venue across the country was shut down for a number of months.
"It deserves a review so we can learn from it."
A government spokesperson said a review of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic would be undertaken after the state of emergency was removed.
"The Premier has previously indicated this would occur on multiple occasions," the spokesperson said.
The Opposition was also contacted for comment.
Bar owners call for mask requirements to lift
Bar owner Jon Di Pinto, who runs popular nightspots Cry Baby, Shotgun Willie’s and Memphis Slim's, described the lifting of restrictions as "overdue".
"It's great, we've been waiting for a very long time for this," he said.
"At midnight we will be putting the DJs on and having a dance. I think it'll be great for all the nightclubs and all the small bars.
Mr Di Pinto also welcomed the removal of all density limits, which he described as the most damaging COVID-19 restriction from a business perspective.
"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster. Obviously things started relaxing, then they got tightened right up again, and it's good to see we're at the end of it," he said.
Adelaide bar owner Marcus Mottram, who runs Hains & Co, has welcomed the announcements but said he would like to see mask mandates lifted next.
"All we need to do is remove the masks. For my bartenders behind the bar, it's so hard for them to interact with people," he said.
"You can't tell when we’re being cheeky any longer."
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has indicated rules around mask-wearing would be reviewed next week.
Fringe festival to increase ticket sales
With just 10 days left of the Adelaide Fringe festival, director Heather Croall said the easing of restrictions would be music to the ears of many performers.
The festival has so far been limited to 75 per cent capacity, but from Saturday will be able to extend its ticket sales to 100 per cent as density limits are scrapped.
"We will be very busy on our ticketing system increasing capacities on every show," Ms Croall said.
"I just really ask everyone to come out, buy tickets, the artists have done it tough for so many years."
Ms Croall said many artists were considering extending their shows beyond March 20 to make the most of the increased capacity.
