Business leaders call for removal of state’s internal coronavirus rules in the wake of extended border closures

Businesses have called for internal coronavirus restrictions to be completely lifted in wake of the continuing border closures, in hopes it will deliver a much-needed boost to their bottom line.

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COMPLETELY empty rows and three seats between each patron — that’s what it looks like at the moment inside theatres of North Hobart’s State Cinema.

It is just one of the many Tasmanian businesses navigating social distancing guidelines, the current rules stipulating a maximum density limit of one person per two square metres and ensuring people stay at least 1.5 metres apart.

But off the back of last week’s decision to delay the opening of Tasmania’s borders, industry leaders believe internal restrictions should be lifted due to the state’s COVID-free status.

The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Tasmanian Small Business Council both say the rules should be relaxed to support the state’s struggling businesses.

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State Cinema staff Tiffany Essen, left, Chris Upton and Emily O’Neal staff ready to welcome more patrons back. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

State Cinema manager Melinda Scott said if that happened, it would make a significant difference to operators hamstrung by current rules.

Ms Scott said the cinema reopened on June 11, with patrons being advised to book ahead.

“It’s really the 1.5 metres [rule] that is impacting on us because all of our capacities are cut down to a fraction of normal,” she said.

“It’s very tricky. Obviously it’s not easy and, most of all, customers are disappointed if they come along and they can’t get into a film because we’ve sold out.”

Tasmanian Small Business Council chief executive Robert Mallett said with no active cases in the state and no new confirmed cases for almost two months, t

he state should be in a position to ease more internal rules.

“There is no evidence that we now have the virus in Tasmania active and so now is the time to make the call to remove all restrictions with regards to personal distancing,” he said.

“It will take the worry out of doing business.”

Tasmanian Small Business Council chief executive Robert Mallett. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Mr Mallett said in addition to running under capacity, businesses were also dealing with extra costs such as purchasing hand sanitiser, and the cost of extra washing and cleaning.

The TCCI has argued the Government needed to rethink its strategy, also suggesting state restrictions be eased to give businesses “a fighting chance of being able to survive COVID-19”.

The State Government was asked if consideration would be given to lifting remaining internal restrictions if the borders remained closed for an extended period of time.

“We know appropriate distancing, combined with sound hygiene practices are critical in the ongoing management response to COVID-19 and it is very important we take Public Health advice when it comes to relaxing restrictions in place to keep Tasmanians safe,” a Government spokeswoman said.

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