The announcement from Premier Peter Gutwein that event restrictions would be eased on December 6 has been welcomed by industry stakeholders, but they say it is only the first step.
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Dancing at Tasmanian pubs, clubs, and events will be allowed again from early December, permitting all those entering are fully vaccinated.
Pubs and clubs will also have their caps on stand-up drinking lifted for both indoors and outdoors as long as patrons and staff are fully vaccinated.
Once borders open on December 15, all staff working at events and venues will be required to be fully vaccinated.
The one person per two square metres rule will continue to apply.
Events Minister Sarah Courtney welcomed the Premier's announcement that Public Health had reviewed the framework on dancing and drinking, as did upcoming events and festivals organisers.
Party In The Apocalypse organiser Vibestown said the change was something the team had been campaigning for.
"Changing the dates for PITA wasn't easy but we feel that we've made the right choice now that these easing restrictions have been announced," director Ryan Limb said.
Festivale confirmed in October that the 2022 event would be unable to proceed due to concerns surrounding COVID-19 and restrictions.
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Committee chairman David Dunn said though allowing dancing would not change the decision to cancel the 2022 Festivale, it would give more clarity for the potential to have an event later next year.
"The review of the dancing standing limits [indicates] the beginning of an overall review [of the event framework]," he said.
"We'd like to see next year that the cap on total number of attendees [5000] is reviewed as well."
BeerFest director James Harding said the changes were exciting for all those who were attending the New Year's Eve event, and it was one less restriction the event needed to adhere to.
Tasmanian Hospitality Association chief executive Steve Old said the body was pleased to see some of the rules and regulations in hospitality venues ease in time for the reopening of the state border.
"All of the industry has been crippled financially from the impacts of COVID-19 and allowing dancing and drinking restrictions to be lifted will help some way to seeing businesses recover," he said.
Though Mr Old was pleased about mandating vaccinations for those working at venues where dancing and stand-up drinking was allowed, the THA remained eager to see the one person per two square metres density requirements ease in the future.
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Dana Anderson
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
