Tasmania clamours for internal restriction easing, other states allow ‘vertical consumption’

The ‘vertical drinking’ ban - It’s a sore point with local industry that the state government has no plans to change anytime soon. But what is it? Why do we have to do it? And how do our dining rules compare to the rest of the country?

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HOSPITALITY business owners and patrons alike have clamoured for the state government to ease internal restrictions, including allowing ‘vertical drinking’.

Currently Tasmania is allowing one patron per two sq m in licensed venues, however all alcohol consumption must be done with bums planted firmly in seats.

But in other COVID-19-free states such as South Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, punters are standing and drinking, with the same, or no, density limits.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch outlined there may be more outdoor, seated events as a framework for Tasmania’s COVID-Safe events.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch at a coronavirus government update. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Dr Veitch has explained “vertical drinking” has been limited to allow more patrons into venues, and decrease chances of social contact potentially spreading COVID-19.

“A seated event is safer than event where people can mix, and an outdoor event is safer than an indoor event,” he said.

WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS IN OTHER STATES?

• Both South Australia and Queensland ditched their ‘vertical consumption’ mandates in early October and increased patron density limits to one person per two sq m. Both states previously were only allowing one person per four sq m but have relaxed them as of last month.
• Patrons in NSW and Victoria, where there are still active cases of COVID-19 still have rules for seated alcohol consumption in place.
• Western Australia eased its standing and drinking ban on June 26.
• The Northern Territory dropped all restrictions in licensed venues, patrons are allowed to drink without purchasing food, all up to date as of October 14.
• As of October 9 patrons in the ACT must remain seated while drinking.

In August Premier Peter Gutwein announced some standing activities would be allowed, such as darts, pool, eight-ball, snooker and karaoke in licensed venues.

Premier Peter Gutwein speaks at a COVID-19 press conference. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The easing allowed attendees to move around freely for activities as long as they were not standing and drinking alcohol.

According to the state government website these restrictions will be in place until at least the end of 2020.

ARE THERE ANY WAYS AROUND THE DANCE BAN?

Dancing is only permitted when it is prearranged, held in a separate room to where food and alcohol is consumed and contact information is recorded.

Similarly, if a private event has a COVID-Safe plan in place, standing, drinking and mingling are allowed.

In the past this has included an outdoor rave where alcohol was not sold and several private events which politicians attended.

Other instances where dancing is allowed:

• a prearranged dance class in a separate room of a pub;
• dance classes or dancing in a community hall; and
• water, tea, coffee and other non-alcoholic drinks could be consumed in the same room as a dance class or dancing.

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