30 Nov 2021

Pub boss on challenge of surviving under red restrictions

From Checkpoint, 5:38 pm on 30 November 2021

Red level restrictions are presenting a challenge for pubs and restaurants over the summer break.

Auckland venues can reopen from Friday after a three month shutdown, but they are not popping the champagne just yet.

At red, venues using the vaccine pass can have up to 100 people but they have to be seated and separated. And dancing is off limits.

At orange there's no cap on numbers - as long as everyone is vaccinated. Is red enough to get hospitality out of the red this summer Steve Simms is the publican of the Birkenhead Brewing Company - sister bar of the Lumsden Freehouse in Newmarket and the Wood St Pizzeria in Mangawhai. He talks to Lisa Owen.