Hospitality industry frustrated by ‘inconsistencies’ with dance ban after rave, rum tasting
An outdoor rave and a rum tasting with politicians this month have highlighted major inconsistencies with the state government’s ‘no alcohol while standing’ policy, says the hospitality and events industry.
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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 has become 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,” he said.
“Because it was not at a licensed venue it just came under the gathering specifications.”
Mr Fitzgerald has personally felt the sting of the COVID-19 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 for that,” he said.
“I had events that I was doing that I already had coffee stocked for and I had to carry 20kg of coffee beans, just wasted stock because suddenly the event wasn’t there.”
Tasmania Police Inspector Philippa Burk said the Re:Pulse ticked the boxes for police, with a COVID-Safe 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.
Michael Bailey, CEO of the TCCI said he was delighted to be able to host the event, which launched Tasmania’s only locally-produced rum.
“A COVID management plan, based on advice from Public Health, was in place and was strictly adhered to,” he said.
According to government regulations: “Patrons must be seated in premises where alcohol is sold, meaning activities that are not seated (e.g. pool dancing, karaoke, darts) are not permitted. Seated activities such as quiz nights and bingo are allowed, as long as patrons remain seated for these activities.”
In response to the two events a government spokesperson explained private event organisers were required to have COVID-Safe plans.
“Business and event organisers who wish to operate functions or private events are required to have COVID-Safe plans in place, with the onus on those operators to ensure they progress in line with the COVID-Safe guidelines,” they said.
“With respect to the private event held at New Norfolk, while no alcohol was sold for consumption on site, guests were provided with a small sample of the product.”
Robert Mallett, CEO of the Tasmanian Small Business Council said the event showed how “farcical” the current restrictions are.
“You can stand and drink at a private gathering with people you’ve never met before, but not at a hotel. It makes no sense,” he said.
“What this also shows is that social distancing rules can be relaxed sensibly and safely, which would be a huge relief to struggling businesses.”
Ian Vaughan, the managing director of Pub Banc Group, which owns venues like Cargo, Jack Greene, Post St Social and the Observatory nightclub 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),” he said.
“Here are these people making the rules and destroying our businesses – in the government, and they can’t even practice what they preach.”
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