Outdoor Dining in Auckland?
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We have been getting a number of enquiries from members in the Auckland region about using outdoor spaces in some capacity, now that Aucklanders can meet another household (up to 10 people) for outdoor social occasions like picnics.
Part of our current advocacy work is around the use of outdoor spaces, particularly for Auckland, slowly allowing more interactions between people. When restrictions loosen further at Step 2 – we are seeking to get a concession to allow outdoor dining at this stage or more utilisation of outdoor space.
| However, in the meantime, we have sought clarification on the use of outdoor space at Auckland Step 1. This is the feedback we have received from the Department of the Prime Minister: |
“The most important thing to remember is that Auckland remains at Alert Level 3. While some restrictions are easing, we are encouraging people to use this time to reconnect with close friends and whānau outdoors, in small numbers.
While Step 1 allows increased opportunities for outdoor recreation, it is not intended that this changes the Alert Level 3 guidance around business operations.
The current Health Order states that businesses ‘must have systems and processes in place to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that no customers or clients enter the workplace except to the minimum extent necessary to collect goods’.
As this includes outdoor areas, customers should not be entering a business premise to consume food, regardless of whether they are seated indoors or outdoors, or if they are bringing their own food.”