Labor is again calling on the State Government to remove the mandatory ban on standing while drinking in pubs and other hospitality venues.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the Government hadn’t been able to explain the evidence that supported the continued ban on standing to have a drink in hospitality venues.
“The government’s insistence that people must be seated at all times while drinking alcohol is causing more pain for an industry that’s already been hammered by COVID-19,” Ms White said.
“Many venues are reporting an ongoing loss of businesses as people cancel Christmas functions and make other arrangements so they don’t have to sit down to have a drink.
“The ban on drinking while standing up is inconsistent with the advice provided by public health experts in other states, making it even harder to justify.
“The ban is placing extra pressure on workers in hospitality venues who are left to explain the rule to patrons, which is impacting their mental health and that of operators.
“The hospitality sector is open to discussing how these restrictions can be eased and we urge the Government to engage with workers and venues and set out a plan for recovery.
