Last updated: 26 May 2020 at 9.51am
The WA Government has implemented a staged easing of COVID-19 restrictions based on the best health advice. From 18 May 2020, food businesses including cafés, restaurants, pubs, clubs, hotels, roadhouses, taverns and the casino can reopen, subject to mandatory conditions and the completion of a COVID Safety Plan.
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Below are the steps food businesses need to take to reopen:
- Complete a COVID Safety Plan prior to reopening or expanding beyond takeaway. This should be completed by the person responsible for the business premises. The COVID Safety Guidelines will help you complete your plan.
- Display a COVID Safety Plan certificate (you'll find this in the plan).
- Maintain a strict minimum of 4 square metres per person.
- Ensure a maximum of 20 dine-in patrons per venue (excluding staff).
- Patrons waiting to collect takeaway should wait outside the venue if there are already 20 people inside.
- Maintain hygiene and frequent cleaning.
- Ensure staff have completed the AHA Hospitality & Tourism COVID-19 Hygiene Course before returning to work.
- Maintain attendance records of patrons for contact tracing (not including takeaway services).
- Carefully manage waiting areas to ensure physical distancing.
- Alcohol can only be served with food and consumed at a table (not bar or counter service). More information for licensed venues.
All businesses need to do their part to comply with these requirements and help mitigate the risks of COVID-19.
COVID Safety Plans are an important part of ensuring that reopening businesses does not increase the risk of spreading COVID-19. Failure to complete a COVID Safety Plan may mean your business is putting the community at risk. Authorised officers under the Emergency Management Act have the power to close premises and businesses that put the community at risk in this way.
For more information please see our frequently asked questions.
COVID Safety Plan and guidelines
Hospitality hygiene training
All staff must complete the AHA Hospitality and Tourism COVID-19 hygiene course before returning to work.
The course covers:
- understanding COVID-19 and venue restrictions
- reporting personal health issues
- maintaining personal and work environment hygiene practices
- reducing cross contamination through procedures
- effective cleaning and sanitising practices.
The course has 2 tiers. All staff will be required to successfully complete tier 1 before their first shift.
Tier 2 is advanced training designed for managers and supervisors. It is not mandatory for all staff or management to successfully complete tier 2, the hygiene officer course. The additional course is recommended to provide extra confidence to staff and patrons of the venue.
Businesses will also have to display signage that the venue is compliant with all conditions. Existing physical distancing regulations for hospitality businesses remain in place, with any future easing of restrictions dependent on expert health advice.
For further information on requirements, and to complete the assessment, visit the AHA Hospitality & Tourism COVID-19 Hygiene Course.