Monday brought with it much needed relief for hospitality businesses across Tasmania, as stage one of coronavirus restriction easements were introduced.
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Under stage one, indoor premises including cafes and restaurants can host up to 10 dine-in patrons, providing they can be served at one person per 4 square metres.
Venues with multiple seating areas can have up to two separate dining areas each with a separate 10-person limit.
Small Business, Hospitality and Events Minister Sarah Courtney said she was encouraged by how businesses across the state are adapting to the new requirements.
"We know these restrictions will still have a big impact on many, particularly hospitality businesses, across Tasmania and I thank them for their work during this time," she said.
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The state government, in collaboration with the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, has created guidelines for relevant businesses to review around making their businesses 'COVID-safe'.
COVID-19 ready business safety plans and checklists are available on WorkSafe Tasmania's website, under guidance from the Department of Public Health.
"We have got a range of minimum standards for all businesses to be able to comply with and will ensure that customers and staff stay safe and their businesses can stay open," Ms Courtney said.
Ms Courtney admitted that not all businesses will be able to reopen, with operations such as alcohol-only venues, hotels and casinos' doors remaining shut.
She said businesses looking to reopen with the stage two restriction rules on June 15 will need to have COVID-19 plans in place to ensure their workplace is safe for staff and patrons alike.
"We do want to see businesses reopening, but we have to do it on public health advice, it is absolutely critical we don't see a second wave in Tasmania," she said.
While exemptions can be applied for via WorkSafe under the guidance of the Department of Public Health, Ms Courtney said businesses needed to ensure they follow restriction laws.
"We know there may be specific cases where we's have to look at workarounds, for example, the operating theatre of a hospital may need to make sure it has specific rules around it," she said.
Harry Murtough
Born and raised in Launceston. BA of journalism from Monash University. Sports reporter covering basketball, netball and cricket.
Born and raised in Launceston. BA of journalism from Monash University. Sports reporter covering basketball, netball and cricket.
