Space limits twice as nice for venues

THE Tasmanian business community is celebrating a change of coronavirus restrictions that will double the number of patrons allowed inside venues.

From noon tomorrow, space limits that have ruled there could be only one person per four square metres will be eased to one person per two square metres.

The impending change has been welcomed by the owner of North Hobart eatery Raincheck Lounge and Salamanca bar Society, who said the previous rule had stifled business.

“It effectively doubles the amount of people that we can have in both of our venues, which is fabulous,’’ Emma Davis said.

Ms Davis said under current restrictions, the venues could seat 20 people at once, but would now be able to welcome 40, which was equivalent to about twothirds of normal capacity. Business leaders also have welcomed Premier Peter Gutwein’s move, announced as part of the early relaxation of stage three restrictions.

Tasmanian Small Business Council chief executive Robert Mallett said the change would enable many small businesses to operate at close to normal capacity.

Mr Mallett said it would also mean staff would be better engaged, and many casuals who were laid off could be rehired.

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey said the Premier had “got the balance right”.

“We need to ensure we have strong social distancing rules in place, but we also need to provide businesses with the capacity to trade,’’ he said.

“This is a great start and will be a big boost to business confidence.”