V Hotel to open for food again from today as pub begins COVID-19 recovery at Veresdale

Locals have returned for a beer at the pub on the Mount Lindesay Highway at Veresdale, and food will be on offer from today as the owners look to put a difficult period behind them.

The pub will open for food from today until Sunday, from 11.30am-1.30pm, in the tentative first steps towards full operation.

Under the latest state rules, 20 people will be allowed on the premises, but pub owner Leon Mills said a Queensland Hotels Association plan being examined by the government could pave the way for more in venues by the end of the week, should it be adopted.

Mr Mills said he could fit 20 patrons in each of his four dining areas, including the back deck with sweepint views of the countryside towards Allenview, and still comply with social distancing requirements.

"That's where you start to make a dime again," he said.

"Twenty people doesn't really cut it."

Regardless of whether that plan gets the nod, Mr Mills said he was happy to be operating again.

"I'm stoked we can get back with some clarity about where we're going again," he said.

"It's good that we can get people back on deck. I have had a few locals down here for a beer.

"They are champing at the bit to get down here."

The fast-moving changes to the laws regarding reopening has caught the couple by surprise.

Painting work in the bar had not finished in time, and they were forced to take matters into their own hands.

"My pregnant partner is painting the door today," Mr Mills said.

Everyone who enters the premises must provide details for contact tracing, Mr Mills said.

Anyone who refused would not be allowed into the venue.

Mr Mills said the extent of the COVID-19 impact on the business remained to be seen, but he was confident the pub could survive.

"We have been hit pretty hard, but we should be right," he said.

"It's been a bit of a blow.

"There are a lot more people who are in a worse position than what we're in."

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