Sarah Courtney,Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events
Tasmanians can enjoy a visit to their local pub or favourite restaurant this weekend, with Stage 3 restrictions being brought forward.
Effective from midday Friday 26 June, gathering sizes will increase to a maximum of 500 people outdoors and 250 per undivided indoor space across all premises.
This means pubs, restaurants and cafes will be able to service more patrons, in line with the revised density limit, which has decreased from one person per 4 square metres to one person per 2 square metres.
Venues to open include casinos, nightclubs, gaming venues and food courts (including dine-in) will also be able to re-open.
It is important to note that patrons must be seated in premises where alcohol is sold, meaning activities that are not seated (eg pool, dancing) are not permitted.
Our gradual easing of restrictions continues to be informed by Public Health advice, at a state and national level, and we are taking a glide path approach to help manage the risk of a second wave.
I understand that this has been a very challenging time for many hospitality businesses, however it has proven the resilience and tenacity of our operators and their employees, and I can assure the hospitality industry that the Government will continue to work with you on the pathway to recovery.
I am deeply aware that hospitality businesses have felt the full force of the coronavirus impact, however, we must continue a sensible approach forward as a second wave of the virus caused by moving too quickly, too early, would be even more devastating to the industry. I thank the industry for the way it has implemented measures to keep staff and patrons safe, and I ask all Tasmanians to continue to comply with the rules.
I would like to acknowledge and thank the very constructive role of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) and local businesses for their very strong advocacy as we ease restrictions and deliver our plan to rebuild Tasmania.
