Takeaway food vendors could be allowed to sell wine, beer, cider and spirits with meals under new laws.
Bars, clubs and restaurants in South Australia may be able to deliver either two bottles of wine or a bottle of wine and a six-pack of beer, cider or pre-mixed spirits with takeaway meals if new legislation is passed this week.
The measure was temporarily introduced in March to help struggling hospitality businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, but it was such a success that state authorities believe it should be permanent.
Under pre-Covid laws, customers could only buy takeaway alcohol from a licenced bottle shop.
Pictured: Customers leaving Dan Murphy's in Adelaide after the government announced bottle shops would close during lockdown. The decision was reversed hours later
Under pre-Covid laws, customers could only buy takeaway alcohol from a licenced bottle shop. Pictured: People in Adelaide stocking up on alcohol on November 18
About 741 businesses successfully applied for temporary alcohol licences when the rules were first introduced.
'This will remove unnecessary red tape and help businesses defy the ongoing challenges and impacts Covid-19 presents,' Premier Steven Marshall said.
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said she will introduce the legislation to parliament, stating it would help businesses increase sales.
'I have listened to the industry, and the feedback is resounding,' she said, according to The Advertiser.
Bars, clubs and restaurants in South Australia may be able to deliver either two bottles of wine or a bottle of wine and a six-pack of beer, cider or pre-mixed spirits with takeaway meal. Pictured: Last drinks at the pub before lockdown last week in Adelaide
'I encourage all bar, restaurant, and small venue operators to review the new law and consider ways in which they can maximise its potential.'
Last week, South Australians flocked to bottle shops in droves after it was announced stores would close during an intensive six-day lockdown.
While government authorities backflipped on the decision hours later and said alcohol vendors would remain open during the lockdown period, residents were seen carrying multiple bottles, cases and six-packs as they raced to stock up.
One Adelaide resident who visited Dan Murphy's on Wednesday afternoon said despite the mad rush, there was a strong sense of community spirit.
Last week, South Australians flocked to bottle shops in droves after it was announced stores would close during an intensive six-day lockdown
'There were lines going up and down the aisles and staff trying to regulate the six carton per person rule but everyone was laughing together and saying things like ''glad we have the same priorities'',' Amelia told Daily Mail Australia.
'It was definitely very hectic, people were up to their arms with bottles.'
The government also removed the lockdown restrictions over the weekend, three days early, after it was revealed an Covid-infected pizza shop worker had not come into contact with as many people as he claimed.
South Australia recorded one new case on Monday afternoon.