‘Vertical drinking’ ban set to be lifted, Victorians could be allowed into state before December 1

A slew of COVID-19 restrictions are set to be eased from next Friday, including the contentious ‘vertical drinking’ ban and how many visitors you’re allowed at home. SEE WHAT’S CHANGING >>

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VICTORIANS may be able to enter Tasmania sooner than December 1, as the vertical drinking ban is lifted from next week.

Premier Peter Gutwein signposted the early lifting of restrictions at a COVID-19 update today. ‘Vertical drinking’ bans will be eased from next Friday, and it has been mandated venues will have to keep contact tracing details for 28 days.

“This is another milestone day for many Tasmanians as they reunite with loved ones and I understand there have been some very heart wrenching reunions at the airport today,” Mr Gutwein said.

WHAT’S CHANGING FROM NEXT FRIDAY?

• Cafes, pubs and bars will have to keep contact details for tracing for 28 days.
• The contentious ‘vertical drinking ban’ will be lifted for outdoor areas at hospitality venues.
• Household caps will increase to 40 people.

“So far the new arrangement for our borders have been running smoothly.

“Things continue to look positive approaching a full week of zero cases in terms of community cases and we’re hoping soon people arriving back in Tasmania from Victoria will be able to quarantine at home opposed to government accommodation.

“We’re also hopeful … that we may be able to bring forward the reopening date with Victoria before December 1.”

REWATCH THE UPDATE BELOW >>

Mr Gutwein said the mandatory contact tracing will be brought in from next Friday and will be legislated to make it illegal for businesses not to keep details, or to use them for any other purpose.

“All along Public Health’s strong guidance to hospitality venues has been to ensure contact details have been taken in the event contact tracing is required,” he said.

“The vast majority of venues have embraced this but we want to strengthen this requirement and will be making it mandatory from Friday the 13 … to keep this information for 28 days.”

Mr Gutwein said as the borders reopen, this contact tracing will be vital, should there be an outbreak.

Premier Peter Gutwein during the government update at Hobart. Picture Chris Kidd

Seated, dine-in patrons at cafes, pubs and clubs, will have their contact details kept by the venue for 28 days, under the new mandate.

“At a minimum the name, time of entry, and a contact number will need to be provided. Importantly it will only require one person in a group to sign in,” Mr Gutwein said.

Mr Gutwein said there are a number of solutions available, including one that will be available on the WorkSafe website, and multiple other electronic solutions.

“From Friday of next week, vertical drinking in hospitality venues in their outdoor areas only will be allowed,” he said.

“This will be kept under review and following this being implemented in a safe and satisfactory manner, further consideration will be given to relaxing the indoor drinking restrictions closer to Christmas.”

Caps on private residences will also increase from 20 to 40 on November 13.

EARLIER: PREMIER Peter Gutwein is expected to update Tasmania on the COVID-19 situation as the state opens its borders to New South Wales today.

Among the first visitors from NSW is Prime Minister Scott Morrison who will be debated will be opening an elite high school in Tasmania to fast-tracking a Bellerive-Hobart passenger ferry service and banning foreign ownership of Australian land.

Mr Gutwein is also expected to speak more about when Tasmania will open its borders to Tasmania, while Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch will update on COVID-19 testing numbers.

Spirit of Tasmania CEO Bernard Dwyer said with the border reopening, the ferries have seen an increase in numbers – although not comparable to pre-COVID-19 – and it was encouraging seeing Australians keen to travel again.

Mr Dwyer said barriers that may have prevented people from committing to travel to

Tasmania on the vessels were gradually being removed.

“The easing of restrictions provides more certainty for everyone,” he said.

“It is also positive to see that people, particularly regular travellers from Queensland and

New South Wales, have the confidence to travel again.

“Passengers who had previously cancelled their bookings are rebooking.

“We are noticing that more travellers are looking for safer ways to travel and are opting to

sail because they can pack up their car and simply drive on board avoiding a crowded

terminal that you may encounter when flying.”

More to come...

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