Major easing of Restrictions for Queenslanders - Dine in Capacity lifted to 20

So what do the new restrictions mean?

In an effort to boost the tourism sector the move gives Queenslanders the ability to enjoy unrestricted travel throughout the entire state, by road, rail and air. Giving families the potential for unlimited travel all over Queensland in time for the upcoming school holidays.

Stage 2 changes will also make it easier to catch up with family and friends, with a maximum of 20 people able to gather in your home or in a public place, including yourself, members of your household or others.

This news will also mean that more businesses will be able to recommence trade since capacity restrictions have increased to 20. This means industries like gyms, pools, sports clubs, museums, parks, libraries, cinemas, open homes, zoos, stadiums will be able to begin to reopen. Check the full list of applicable industries here.

It allows hotels, pubs, restaurants and cafes previously limited to 10 dine-in patrons to now have their capacity lifted to 20 people.

In addition, some businesses may have more than 20 patrons in their venue if they are in compliance with an applicable COVID Safe Industry or COVID Safe Site Specific Plan that has been approved by Queensland Health.

These businesses will still need to observe social distancing and must have no more than an average of 1 person per 4 square meters in the venue at all times. But it means for any dining-in service following an applicable COVID Safe Industry Plan, the venue must be divided into designated areas that will have no more than 20 patrons within them.

In addition:

These patrons must be kept separated from other designated areas by a minimum of 1.5 metres at all times
They must remain seated when in the designated area
They must be provided table service by dedicated staff for that designated area
They must stay only in one designated area for the duration of their visit to your venue
Patrons may consume alcohol without food at a seated table, however, bar services, including seated bar services, are not permitted.

With Stage Two easing of restrictions being brought forward by nearly two weeks, the Premier said an earlier Stage Three would be considered at the next review at the end of June, including any discussion around opening Queensland's border.

Check out our COVID resources page for more information on the developing situation.