Jeremy Rockliff

Premier of Tasmania



10 December 2020

Peter Gutwein, Premier

Continuing to ease restrictions responsibly

Our first priority continues to be protecting the health and safety of Tasmanians and that’s why we have followed a sensible plan to ease restrictions gradually and responsibly.

Tasmanians have started to enjoy the activities that they love again, while at the same time abiding to COVID-safe rules and today I can announce another important step in our plan to ease restrictions in a safe way.

The following changes to gathering restrictions will come into effect from 5pm this Friday, December 11:

  • People will be able to have gatherings of up to 100 people in their family home, an increase from the current 40-person limit;
  • Dancing and stand-up drinking will be permitted for up to 100 people at indoor venues and 250 people in outdoor venues; and
  • The limitations on how many people can dance at weddings will also be eased.
    The upcoming changes to indoor stand-up drinking and dancing do not alter the current number caps for non-residential premises – 250 in an indoor space and 1000 outdoors - or the requirement of at least 2 square metres per person.

If the density limit of one person per 2 square metres allows, there can be additional patrons in the indoor venue or an outdoor area, up to the caps, as long as they are not stand-up drinking or dancing.

All venue operators are reminded of the importance of COVID-safe behaviors and to support the measures in place to protect us all, and from my own experience eating out and about, they’re doing a tremendous job.  Licensed premises are already collecting patron contact details and, from 15 December, this requirement expands to a broader range of premises.

Any venue operator who is unsure if they need to meet this requirement should check the details at coronavirus.tas.gov.au.

Consideration is also currently being given by Public Health to increase capacity at venues, including theatres and cinemas.

Please continue to maintain physical distance where you can, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, observe COVID restrictions and safety plans, stay home if your unwell, and get a test – even if it’s a sniffle.

These COVID-safe behaviours are very important as we look towards Christmas and New Year celebrations, and spending time with friends and family over the summer.



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