ClubsACT and the Australian Hotels Association – ACT Branch have called on the ACT Government to ease density restrictions at the earliest possible opportunity, now almost 95 per cent of Canberrans are double-vaccinated. The hospitality industry, they said, was ready to embrace reduced restrictions and to resume normal trading as soon as possible.

NSW restrictions will ease from Monday; there will be no capacity limits for major recreation and entertainment facilities; no limits to the number of visitors in people’s homes; and density limits of one person per two square metres will apply across all activities. Similarly, Victoria will scrap all density and capacity limits on 24 November.

But at that time, ACT hospitality venues will still be limited to 25 per cent of their normal patronage in indoor spaces.

“The ACT has one of the best vaccination rates in the world – let alone the country – yet we have the toughest restrictions on the hospitality industry,” said Anthony Brierley, AHA ACT general manager.

On the other hand, the ACT had achieved high vaccination rates earlier than expected, pointed out Craig Shannon, CEO of ClubsACT.

“It is a credit to the ACT Government and our community that we have achieved such a high level of vaccinations at such a pace,” Mr Shannon said. “As we head into the Christmas holiday period, Canberra is ready to open up and embrace the new freedoms that high vaccination numbers should bring. Our members are more than ready to fully serve the community and help bring a little relaxation and fun back into the lives of those who have sacrificed so much.”

“The hospitality industry has now endured 18 months of density restrictions,” Mr Brierley said. “What are we waiting for?

“We were told that high vaccination was our ticket to normality. Canberrans have delivered in spades, and it’s high time the ACT Government keeps its end of the bargain by removing these punitive restrictions on the hospitality industry.”

The Canberra Liberals also called on the ACT Government to further ease venue restrictions impeding local businesses.

“Canberrans have done the right thing and heeded calls to get vaccinated,” said party leader Elizabeth Lee. “It is now time that businesses who have done it very tough throughout the lockdown to be given some freedom to reap the benefits of our high vaccination rates.”

She thought it made sense to ease restrictions, particularly those affecting hospitality and retail venues, in line with NSW.

“Cross-border travel arrangements now allow people in Canberra and NSW greater flexibility to move around,” Ms Lee said.

Leanne Castley, Shadow Minister for Business, said it was important restrictions were eased as quickly as possible so businesses could make full use of the heavy trading period during November and December, leading up to Christmas, before trade slowed in January.

“Easing restrictions and bringing the ACT in line with NSW will have a big impact on so many businesses that have done it very tough for months now,” Ms Castley said.

“While restrictions have been in place, it has not been viable for many businesses to reopen after the lockdown. Making these changes will be of great assistance to a lot of our struggling businesses.”