The Australian Government is considering reopening restaurants in June, under the proviso that venues and diners follow strict new protocols.

Restaurants would need to put safeguards in place, which could include ditching the physical menus and swapping the stainless steel cutlery for disposable knives and forks.  Physical barriers may even need to be installed to prevent diners from interacting with other tables.

Patrons would also be required to pre-book or sign in to dine-in, to help restaurants deal with potential outbreaks.

Under the new proposal, restaurants could potentially operate at up to 60% capacity.

The Restaurant and Caterers Association has put forward the proposal in a bid to revive the hospitality industry, which has been one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Restaurant and Caterers Association CEO Wes Lambert told Sky News: “Social distancing in restaurants is the key. We believe if the Government says social distancing in every other venue, in grocery stores, in retail stores, then patrons should be 1.5 metres away from each other inside restaurants, which would allow restaurants to have between 50 to 60 per cent capacity, depending on how big they are.”

The Government will consider the plan during its national cabinet meetings.