Revellers flock to Sydney pubs on the first Friday since lockdown was eased

Sydneysiders have celebrated their first ‘Freedom Friday’ since the end of a gruelling three-month lockdown by taking to the city’s pubs and restaurants in their thousands.

Friends gathered together to enjoy some pub grub and a beverage as pubs and restaurants opened up to the public for the first Friday in nearly four months.

The party atmosphere was in full display in Newtown in the inner-city, where punters were gearing up for a big night ahead after being cooped up under stay-at-home orders.

Friends gathered after work for the first Friday knock off drinks in nearly five months (pictured)

Sydneysiders spilled out of pubs as they gathered for a beverage or two together (pictured)

People flocked to Sydney pubs for the first Friday night of freedom (pictured)

Hordes of young Sydneysiders gathered as they are finally reunited for Friday drinks (pictured) 

Friends gathered together in large groups for the first time in almost five months as restrictions eased (pictured) 

As NSW hit its 70 per cent fully vaccinated target on October 6, hospitality venues opened their doors on Monday to Sydneysiders (pictured)

From Monday 11 October, NSW residents who have been fully vaccinated were allowed group bookings of up to 20 people in hospitality venues with all premises  operating at 1 person per 4sqm indoors and 1 person per 2sqm outdoors. 

Drinking indoors must be seated, but drinking outdoors may be seated or standing and dancing is not permitted. 

Other freedoms include 10 visitors allowed in homes, access gyms, indoor recreation and sporting facilities and outdoor gatherings expanded to 30 people.

Non-critical retail has reopened with density limits as well as personal services such as hairdressers, spas, beauty and nail salons, tattoo and massage parlours have reopened with density limits for up to five clients. 

Masks are no longer required in outdoor settings, except for front-of-house hospitality staff but are required for all staff and customers in indoor settings.    

COVID Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination required for staff and customers.

Sydneysiders gathered for Friday drinks after months of lockdown (pictured)

Pubs quickly filled with those eager to have a beverage with friends (pictured)

Sydneysiders revelled with glee in the first Friday drinks since lockdown eased (pictured)

Many Sydneysiders looked excited for a big night out after being cooped up under stay-at-home orders for weeks on end (pictured)