The Lake View Hotel threw its doors open on Monday night after getting the all clear from the Department of Health.
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The venue was listed as a tier two exposure site and informed on Saturday night - with customers watching the AFL grand final - that they must close their doors.
Manager Leigh Evans said patrons were understanding and it was a relief to reopen.
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The Lake View Hotel threw its doors open on Monday night after getting the all clear from the Department of Health.
The venue was listed as a tier two exposure site and informed on Saturday night - with customers watching the AFL grand final - that they must close their doors.
Manager Leigh Evans said patrons were understanding and it was a relief to reopen.
Mr Evans said staff swung into action straight away when they got they call.
"We got the call right at the start of the grand final and my heart sunk," he said. "I thought 'what about the patrons, their meals, their drinks, the grand final. What about the staff, what about myself?' It was traumatic in a way but we swung in action and got the message (out).
"The staff had to isolate and get tested straight away. So we had to shut down as quickly as we could and secure that and make sure everyone was safe and well. And we did.
""The patrons were amazing. Everyone was very understanding and supportive. Everyone was very thoughtful and very much on our side. We can't thank them enough for that."
Mr Evans said it would now be business as usual for the hotel.
"We have done all the right things by the health department. The cleaning regimes, which we do all day every day via staff and contract cleaners has been ticked off. All the staff that have been tested are all negative.
"It's a massive relief. I personally was really nervous waiting for our test results and I know other staff were as well. It's just pleasing to get those back and quickly thanks to the hard working health guys. We're very relieved and very happy."
Mr Evans said the support of patrons had meant a lot to the Lake View Hotel team.
"We have a lot of loyal and local regulars that even kept in touch with a text or phone call to support us over the last few days," he said.
"I think everyone is versed in (COVID) society now, with how the virus goes. Particularly in Bendigo, Bendigonians are very good - they've got their vaccines quickly, you can tell in the press when you see the numbers that we're right on to that. I love Bendigo, I love this town, it's all for them.
"We've renovated this pub in the last couple of years and spent lot of money. We want regulars old and new, anyone really, to come and experience the pub. People are definitely people are supporting us while the restrictions are there.
"The numbers are changing to have a few more outside (from Tuesday) and we're happy to be open and serving drinks and meals to everyone, being part of society and doing our thing for Bendigo."
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