Doesn’t stand up to close scrutiny
Industry fury at dance ban ‘farce’
TWO events this month – an outdoor rave and a rum tasting with politicians – have highlighted flaws in the state government’s “no alcohol while standing” policy, industry figures say.
The rules have left the night-life industry fuming over the policy, which is known as the “dance ban”.
On the weekend of August 9, an outdoor festival near Ouse had 350 people descend on a campsite for a weekend of revelry, approved by the police.
Organiser Project:01 Music creative director Yorick Fitzgerald said Re:Pulse at Lake Repulse was allowed to go ahead as it was classified as an outdoor gathering.
“At the time, the regulations were for an outdoor gathering of up to 500 with sufficient space, we did the plan, we drew up the satellite image, there was enough space in both the communal areas for camping and the dance floor area,” Mr Fitzgerald said. “Because it was not at a licensed venue it just came under the gathering specifications.”
Mr Fitzgerald has personally suffered because of the restrictions and believes the way forward is a return to normality.
“I’m a hospitality owner, I
own a mobile cafe that’s event-based, so I’ve just got no work at all,” he said.
Tasmania Police Inspector Philippa Burk said Re:Pulse ticked the boxes for police, with a COVIDSafe plan in place.
“The event was observed to be compliant with Public Health directions,” she said.
“Attending police determined there was no breach of the Public Health directions requiring patrons to remain seated, as the venue was not serving food or drinks.”
On August 14, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised a tasting event at the newly opened New Norfolk Distillery.
Liberal senators Jonathon Duniam and Claire Chandler and MP Jane Howlett were photographed at the event standing with alcohol in hand.
TCCI chief executive Michael Bailey said that he was delighted to be able to host the event, which launched Tasmania’s only locally produced rum.
WHAT THIS ALSO SHOWS IS THAT SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES CAN BE RELAXED SENSIBLY AND SAFELY
TSBC CEO ROBERT MALLETT
“A COVID management plan, based on advice from Public Health, was in place and was strictly adhered to,” he said.
Government regulations state patrons must only be seated in a premises where alcohol is sold. In response to the two events, a spokesman explained event organisers were required to have COVIDSafe plans.
“The onus (is) on those operators to ensure they progress in line with the COVIDSafe guidelines,” they said.
Robert Mallett, chief executive of the Tasmanian Small Business Council, said the event showed how “farcical” the current restrictions are. “What this also shows is that social distancing rules can be relaxed sensibly and safely, which would be a huge relief to struggling businesses,” he said.
Ian Vaughan, the managing director of Pub Banc Group said the hospitality industry is stuck in the middle.
“The lack of consistency is the frustrating part to business owners when you see people can have raves outdoors, but we’re not given the opportunity to (operate),” Mr Vaughan said. “Here are these people making the rules and destroying our businesses – in the government, and they can’t even practise what they preach.”