Time to let live music patrons do the post-COVID boogie

Peter Gutwein has done a great job during the COVID pandemic but it is time to relax a bit, the owners of a Hobart pub say as they call for restrictions to ease on dancing and playing pool. VOTE IN OUR POLL >>

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A HOBART pub renowned for its live music scene is spearheading a campaign to convince Premier Peter Gutwein it’s time to lift the no-dancing rule in venues.

Under Tasmania’s COVID-19 restrictions, patrons must be seated in premises where alcohol is sold – meaning eightball, darts and dancing are out.

But pub patrons are getting tired of doing the “bum boogie” and the landlords at the Brisbane Hotel want to see bands play to dancing crowds again.

The pub reopened two months ago and Christopher “Gibbo” Giblet says it’s time for a rethink on what rules are needed to keep Tasmania COVID-19 free.

Musicians Min Seo Cho, Phillip Couper, Soren Risby, Riley Allardice and Sam Dowson at the Brisbane Hotel. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

“Peter Gutwein has done a great job but it is time to relax a bit. Keep the borders closed and let Hobart city rock,” Gibbo said.

“It is time to lift the distancing rules. We want to dance, to play pool and have some normality.

“If contact sports are okay and the Salamanca market can operate then having a boogie to some live music or a DJ should be too.

“I’m extremely proud of our punters for keeping their cool and following the rules since we’ve reopened.”

A Tasmanian Government spokesman said the current restrictions were in place to protect Tasmanians and were continuing to be reviewed weekly based on Public Health advice.

Tasmania Police has been working with Work Safe Tasmania regarding compliance of COVID-19 directions in licensed premises and other businesses.

Tasmania Police said most businesses and patrons were doing the right thing.

“We are providing advice and education where compliance could be improved,” a spokesman said.

“Infringements are only issued as a last resort, and to date only three businesses have received a warning regarding COVID compliance.

“Tasmania Police regularly patrol Tasmania’s entertainment districts, making sure both businesses and people are acting responsibly around licensed venues.

“Over the last month police have been working jointly with Work Safe inspectors, Liquor and Gaming and in some instances members from local councils to educate and gain compliance during Friday and Saturday nights at entertainment venues.”

Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said those wanting to enjoy a night out at an entertainment venue should be mindful that by lining up outside and ignoring social distancing they were putting the safety of others and themselves at risk.