Source: Auckland Council
Auckland Council has been working with Auckland’s cafe and restaurant owners to help them reopen and trade during Alert Level 3 and beyond.
“We know that under Alert Level 3 more Auckland businesses have set their sights on getting back to making and selling food, so we’ve focused on helping them achieve a safe way of doing that, for both their employees and their customers,” Councillor Linda Cooper, Chair of Auckland Council’s Regulatory Committee, says.
Under the COVID-19 Alert Level 3 requirements, cafes and restaurants can only begin operating again if they are able to offer takeaways with contactless pick-up and delivery options.
Those businesses that are permitted to resume operations need to have a COVID-19 safety plan that sets out how they will operate under Alert Level 3.
“We’ve worked closely with a lot of businesses over the last week, and will continue to over the next two weeks, to ensure their premises are safe and hygienic,” Cr Cooper says.
“We’ve also given them information and support to help them transition quickly and easily to a takeaway and delivery service.”
The council is also temporarily relaxing restrictions around outdoor dining licences, enabling businesses to put tables outside their premises for contactless customer pick-ups.
Auckland Council’s Manager Environmental Health Mervyn Chetty says businesses can set up a small pick-up point, such as a table, directly outside their premises.
“We’re focused on enabling businesses to return to work, so we want to make sure we’re not getting in the way of them doing that,” he says.
“All we’re asking in return is that businesses be mindful of not putting their tables in a position that’s going to be dangerous or cause an obstruction, and doesn’t allow people to congregate, which would breach the social distancing requirements.
“We also ask that customers collect their food quickly, and do not stay in the area to consume their purchases.”
He encourages businesses who don’t have a takeaway or delivery service within their pre-existing food safety requirements to contact the council.
“We’re happy to work with any business owners to change the scope of their operation to allow for takeaways and deliveries. For bigger changes, people can give us a call and we can talk them through anything else they need to do.”
“We understand that some food businesses have faced significant challenges under the COVID-19 restrictions and the impacts have been felt deeply, so we’re focused on being flexible and we’ll continue to be there to help and provide support to local businesses.”
Customers can continue to access many Auckland Council services relating to the hospitality sector online at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or by phone on 09 301 0101.
