Business groups in Victoria have welcomed the state government’s announcement about new relaxed restrictions for businesses from Friday.
The new rules mean pubs, restaurants and cafes all over Victoria won't have caps on fully vaccinated customers and will only be subject to density limits.
From 6pm on Friday, up to 1,000 people can attend theatres and cinemas and 5,000 people can go to an outdoor stadium.
Alongside the ability for Victorians to travel freely around the state, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Paul Guerra said the changes mean business is back in Victoria.
“This now starts a business-led recovery for the state,” he said. “We know today’s announcement will be a massive step forward for the tourism, entertainment and events sector which can now plan to come back strong.
"Friday will be a champagne day for business which will then set us up for a spectacular summer."
Mr Guerra said the chamber was also thrilled to hear Premier Daniel Andrews outline what rules would look like at the 90 per cent double-dose vaccination target, adding the changes reflected its “strong advocacy and input”.
Save Victorian Events Inc, representing 930 businesses in the event industry, welcomed the news but is seeking more clarity from the Victorian Government around density limits on non-seated indoor events.
They have raised concerns about event businesses operating without clearer dates and rules around what applies to them.
The chief executive of the Business Council of Australia, Jennifer Westacott said the changes to the state's reopening roadmap bring welcome certainty for Victorians who want to get on with their lives.
“For businesses, the decision further and more quickly eases some restrictions (and) boosts confidence as they plan for Christmas, start ordering supplies and rostering on staff," she said.
“While some states are taking crucial steps now, those lagging behind are undermining our momentum to recovery and running the risk that Australia remains a collection of divided states," she said.
The Australian Industry Group said in a statement that the rules are part of a long climb back to normal, highlighting the need for the reopening to be nationwide.
"The fewer restrictions should enable a greater normalisation of commerce, and, very soon, also enable us to be working across state borders," said Tim Piper, the Victorian head of the Australian Industry Group.
"However, these restrictions are by no means at an end for the country as a whole and we need all other states to open as quickly as possible," he said.
