Life And Society

Coronavirus: Bars enjoy first night open in eight weeks

07:31 am on 22 May 2020

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Pubs and bars are reporting a sluggish first day back after the lockdown, with the "Fear Of Going Out" or, perhaps, the joy of staying home, thought to be a reason for the low numbers.

Venues which primarily serve alcohol had to wait a week longer than other businesses to invite customers back because of the extra risks they are thought to pose.

So in order to open they've had to limit the number of people allowed in, keep customers seated and adhere to strict social distancing and contact tracing rules.

RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen overcame his own FOGO visiting a few bars last night to see how staff and customers are coping.