No restaurant changes (yet) but picnics and a Grand Final parma are back on the menu

Melburnians won't exactly be propping up the bar of their local when the city moves to stage two tomorrow, but Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced greater freedoms than were initially laid out.

As promised, from September 28, Melburnians can gather in outdoor public spaces (no backyards) with up to five people from a maximum of two households for two hours. To limit any bending of the rules, the fine for breaching the restriction on outdoor gatherings, or having visitors in the home has been increased to $5000.

In addition, the premier announced that the 9pm-5am curfew would be lifted from Monday, as will the restriction of one shopper per household, both steps which were not slated until October 26 under the original road map.

More importantly, the premier confirmed today that the final two stages will no longer be dictated by dates, but by case numbers. This means that restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes should be able to reopen when Victoria hits a rolling 14-day average of five or fewer cases, but not before October 19.

Mr Andrews said "based on the modelling, we believe we will be able to take the next step by the 19th of October."

Paul Waterson, CEO of the Australian Venue Co. which operates 30 pubs including the Newmarket Hotel and the Duke of Wellington, says the announcement, "sounds really promising that venues will have the chance to offer Victorians a well deserved beer or parma in Grand Final week." However Waterson also says "we need certainty around likely patrons numbers and an increase in outdoor capacity to 100 to enable pubs to start the long climb back from the shut down."

Under the original road map, venues would be allowed to open at stage three on October 26 for "predominantly outdoor dining", a plan which has drawn harsh criticism from industry given the limitation on numbers and uncertainty of Melbourne's weather.

Many restaurant owners have been campaigning to fast-track the reopening for both indoor and outdoor dining, backed by a 10-point plan put forward by the City of Melbourne which includes plans to supply businesses with thermometers, sanitisers and signage to ensure public safety.

Jason M Jones, who owns Entrecote on Domain Road in South Yarra, wants the government to follow the plan. Jones says, "our industry is already heavily regulated, we have proven once before that we can open safely and responsibly. We need to open now to not only preserve our reputation as a foodie city but to give businesses hope, retaining tens of thousands of jobs, allowing a common sense approach and a regulated path to economic recovery."

Mr Andrews did not address the plan at the conference, however he said that operators could look to regional Victoria where indoor dining for two groups of 10 patrons is allowed as well as 50 outdoor diners. He said " if we can get that kind of arrangement in Melbourne, that is what we will do."

Despite frustrations, Victoria's hospitality businesses have continued to pivot admirably, with many launching park-friendly feasts so groups can embrace new freedoms.

Hatted chefs are offering some of the best sandwiches in town. Restaurants like Epocha have put together three course picnics, while Entrecote is offering the option to hire their bistro tables and chairs to set up in the park across the road with their hamper.

The 5km bubble remains in effect, and regional travel is still a dream. But a Grand Final parma and pint at the pub is now a real possibility. That's something to hold onto as the faintest glimmer of a finish line begins to appear on the horizon.

Watch out for Good Food's outdoor feature in Sunday Life on October 4.