Lifting COVID-19 restrictions - Stage 3
A staged approach to lifting restrictions is progressing in Tasmania, subject to public health advice. More information is available at Roadmap to Recovery.
Stage 3 commences at 12 noon on Friday 26 June 2020 as shown below.
All liquor, gaming and wagering premises may operate with public health restrictions. Gatherings and physical distancing are explained
here.
Stage 3 From 12 noon, Friday 26 June 2020 |
| Premises | Restrictions |
| All premises | - Gathering limit of 250 people for an undivided space in an indoor premises
- Maximum density limit of 1 person per 2m2
- 1.5m distance between people where practicable
|
| In addition to the above restrictions the specific restrictions below apply |
Cafes Restaurants | - Serve to seated patrons only
|
Pubs Clubs RSLs Bars Casinos | - Serve to seated patrons only
- May serve drinks without food
- All gambling areas may reopen
- No dancing, playing pool or darts
|
| Nightclubs | - Serve to seated patrons only
- No dancing, playing pool or darts
|
| TAB retail outlets | - No additional restrictions
|
Each state and territory has its own public health restrictions and different approaches to lifting restrictions. To avoid any confusion, please check the following Tasmanian Government websites or call the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline:
Reopening your premises
Liquor and gambling operators are responsible for making sure their premises is safe for staff and customers. This includes taking action to manage the spread of COVID-19.
Listed below are some things you should do to make your premises safe.
1. Prepare a COVID-19 safety plan to demonstrate how you are complying with the minimum standards for workplaces to manage the spread of the virus. To find out more go to WorkSafe Tasmania's website.
2. Review the COVID Safe Workplace Guidelines which provide practical guidance and will help to prepare a COVID-19 safety plan. Those relevant for the liquor and gambling industries are:
- Hospitality COVID Safe Workplace Guidelines - apply to all licensed premises and are about preparing and serving food and beverages, including in hotels, pubs, clubs and bars; and cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services.
- Gambling COVID Safe Workplace Guidelines - apply to all gambling activities licensed under the Gaming Control Act 1993 that operate in casinos, hotels, clubs and totalisator (TAB) outlets.
3. Review our pre-opening checklists for liquor and for gaming and wagering to make sure you have the regulatory requirements in place.
4. Review our Q&As on operating your licensed premises in a COVID safe environment.
Ensuring premises comply with requirements
The Liquor and Gaming Branch will generally take a supportive and educative approach to compliance and enforcement as premises reopen and adjust to the new environment, except in cases of significant risks to patrons or the community. We will take into consideration genuine attempts to comply with licence conditions and other regulatory requirements.
Compliance Inspectors will be undertaking compliance and enforcement activity as premises reopen and operate. During this time, there will be a particular focus on the following:
- Marketing and advertising - Alcohol promotions that encourage excessive consumption (such as to celebrate reopening) are not permitted.
- Responsible Service of Alcohol - All staff must be trained and adhere to safe practices.
- Licences and permits are current - Ensure that any permit in place before the shutdown is still current and licences and permits are prominently displayed at your premises.
- Special employee licences - Ensure that all staff who operate gaming equipment have a current licence.
- Responsible Conduct of Gambling - All staff must have a current qualification and adhere to safe practices (except where the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission has provided a licence holder leniency covering RCG accreditation that has fallen due during the period of industry shutdown).
- CCTV Surveillance - Ensure your system meets the required standards for venues authorised to conduct keno and wagering activities.
- Tasmanian Gambling Exclusion Scheme - Ensure that a current list of excluded persons for your venue is available to all staff so as they can monitor and enforce any excluded persons at your venue.
- Restricted Gaming Area - this area must not be modified without prior written approval from the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission. eg the size or layout of the area.
Concerns or complaints - What to do
If you are a licensee, staff member or a member of the public and you observe an incident or become aware of an issue that you think does not comply with the current requirements, you may direct your concern or complaint to one of the following organisations.
| Incident or issue | Contact |
| Sale or service of liquor in a licensed premises, such as non-compliance with Responsible Service of Alcohol obligations | Liquor and Gaming Branch via email: licensing@treasury.tas.gov.au or complete the Liquor complaint form
|
| Excessive noise from bands or recorded music coming from a licensed premises | Your Local Council:
Tasmanian Council Directory |
| Illegal sale of liquor, intoxication in a public place, or issues of public annoyance | Call the non‑emergency Police Assistance Line 131 444 |
The conduct of gaming or wagering activities in premises
| Talk to the manager/licensee of the premises where the issue occurred
If you are not satisfied with the outcome, contact the Liquor and Gaming Branch via email gaming@treasury.tas.gov.au or wagering@treasury.tas.gov.au, or complete a Gaming or Wagering complaint form
|
| Workplace COVID-19 safety issues, such as non-compliance with physical distancing or the number of customers allowed at any one time in a premises | WorkSafe Tasmania via email: wstinfo@justice.tas.gov.au |
| Concerns regarding non-compliance with COVID‑19 quarantine requirements or gatherings, indoor and outdoor, where the number of people exceeds the current restrictions, such as too many people at a BBQ | https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/ or call the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline 1800 671 738
|
