Victoria’s largest peak business association is celebrating the state’s progression from the third step to the last step in Victoria’s Roadmap to Reopening, with three major wins on issues that the chamber has been publicly and privately advocating on for weeks: the return of office workers at 25 per cent capacity, hospitality cap increases to 150 inside and the return of events.

“The Victorian Chamber is celebrating three major advocacy wins in the announcements around office workers getting the green light to return, the increase on indoor hospitality caps which will mean that most can now operate at full capacity and the welcome return of our renowned events,” said Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra.

“We have been campaigning strongly on these three issues in particular in recent weeks, in daily contact with Ministers and Departments, and are pleased that the Government has listened and acted to go beyond the original roadmap steps in the interests of Victorian businesses and the Victorian economy.”

From Monday, 30 November, private sector office workers can return at 25 per cent capacity this should see the CBD come back to life with some much needed foot traffic just in time for December. The further increase in hospitality caps from Monday, 23 November, is another injection to business and one for which the Chamber has been a major advocate.

The return of events to the cultural capital of Australia is another shot of confidence to many businesses. This has been a priority for the Chamber which has been leading the way in negotiation with Government that events should be classified based on their size. 

The main changes relating to business include:

• Hospitality patron caps increased to 150 people indoors for larger venues with one person per four square metres but the density limit decreases to one person per two square metres for smaller venues up to a maximum of 50 people; 
• Events permitted with up to 500 people and subject to a permit system beyond that; 
• Indoor food court limits boosted to 50 per cent capacity; 
• Workforce caps removed from abattoirs, meat, poultry and seafood processing; 
• Masks can now be removed for personal services such as facials, waxing and beard trimming; 
• Capacity at cinemas and theatres increased to 150 with a maximum 25 per cent capacity (up from 100 in the original roadmap); 
• Casino and gaming venues open with density limits, including one person per four square metres; 
• Number of guests permitted at weddings and funerals increased to 150; 
• Gyms and indoor recreation classes or groups sizes increased to 20 with a venue cap of 100.

The State Government has also amended the last step to remove the mandatory wearing of face masks outside while distanced from others.

“With 23 consecutive days of zero infections and zero deaths, this announcement will further add to the strong sense of optimism and positivity which will guide us on the path to restore our status as the economic powerhouse of Australia. The challenge now is to continue to be vigilant, follow your COVID Safe plans and focus on long term strategies for growth,” said Mr Guerra.

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