LOCAL Benchmark on Booner owner, Kowan Reynolds, says that the new 50-person limit restrictions implemented from 1 June have been a welcomed relief.

“We had to turn away a lot of people who wanted to come in for a meal with the 10-person limit.

“Customers were getting really frustrated and so were we, turning away so much business.

“We’re so happy that restrictions are now allowing up to 50 customers, and hope that will help us get back to some semblance of normality for business.”

Mr Reynolds added that they will continue to support safety and good personal hygiene practises for customers.

“We have hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes available throughout the entire restaurant and will be monitoring the one person per four square metres rule and social distancing within the restaurant.

“We also won’t have items like salt and pepper shakers or cutlery on the tables.”

Since dine-in restrictions came into effect, Mr Reynolds has been working on renovations in the restaurant, including new tabletops and booths, all built by himself.

“We have new booths in the front room and back room, so we can now seat an extra 50 customers in the back,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming back a lot of our loyal customers as well as hopefully some new ones, and think everyone will love the changes we’ve made to the place.”

By Ashley CHRYSLER