Another pub adds its voice to call for standing drinking ban to go

Hospitality figures continue to pile-on against the government’s vertical drinking COVID measures in pubs and clubs, with the newest voice arguing the rules are a massive contradiction.

• Industry taking a stand against ‘vertical drinking’ ban
• Pub bans mainlanders in stand against ‘vertical standing’ rules

MAINLAND tourists are returning to the Beach Hotel in Burnie but frustration is growing as Tasmania remains the only COVID-19 safe jurisdiction where vertical drinking is banned.

Licensee Ben Carpenter said he was losing bookings as the restriction on standing while drinking continued and he wants it lifted today.

“People are ringing up to book functions at the hotel but then the seating rule turns them off and they cancel,” Mr Carpenter said.

Beach Hotel publican Ben Carpenter is in opposition to current 'vertical drinking' COVID laws. Picture: Helen Kempton

“Even if they made it a recommendation that people were seated while drinking rather than a necessity that would help.

“What we don’t understand is the fact you can drink a glass of coke standing at the bar but not alcohol. Really, what is the difference from a health perspective?”

Mr Carpenter is the latest business owner to add his voice to the hospitality industry’s call for the ban to be lifted or at least a definitive timeline given on when pub patrons will again be able to stand at the bar.

The ban is seen as one of the last of the harsh COVID-19 to remain in place as borders reopen.

THA CEO Steve Old said venues had lost long-term customers and staff were bearing the brunt.

“We have young female bartenders needing to confront 50 or 60-year-old men to tell them to sit down,” Mr Carpenter said.

“It is just frustrating all around.”

The government this week said the restrictions were being reviewed and being informed by public health advice.

A decision on whether the ban will be relaxed is expected within weeks.

Sign at the Beach Hotel in Burnie

But that is not soon enough, Labor leader Rebecca White said at the Burnie pub on Wednesday.

“The hotel sector has been dealing with so many challenges and it is time this one was relaxed,” Ms White said.

“The government cannot explain the evidence behind the vertical drinking ban but it is having a severe impact on the hotel sector’s recovery.”