Bunbury cafes and restaurants excited to welcome diners next week

Bunbury business owners are gearing up for a busy few weeks as tourists are expected to flock south once regional borders between the South West and Perth open next Monday. And with cafes, restaurants and pubs able to operate dine-in services for 20 patrons at a time from the same date, many have already been fielding calls from those eager to book a table. Premier Mark McGowan announced the changes on Sunday – which will roll out on May 18 – as part of Phase 2 of the State’s “roadmap” to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. After weeks of take-away, Funkee Monkee Eatery & Bar owner Raj Palan, pictured, will be opening his doors, with less tables, a smaller menu and allocated time slots for bookings to allow for cleaning in between. While “very happy,” to be able to reopen, Mr Palan asked for patience from the community as businesses figured out the safest path forward and understanding that the dining experience would look a little different. “Let everyone enjoy phase 2 and don’t rush out — call and book,” he said. Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Mark Seaward welcomed the border relaxation between the South West, Perth-Peel, Great Southern and Wheatbelt and said it would allow businesses to tap into the “huge market” of metro residents who would likely travel south now that they were unable to go interstate or overseas. However, he said there was “some trepidation” and urged visitors to continue social distancing to ensure no “pockets” of the virus arose. He also said some bigger venues would be unable to open yet, as it would not be viable for 20 patrons. Australia’s South West chief executive Catrin Allsop said it was a “golden opportunity” for tourism operators that had been hit hard by the travel restrictions.