IT’S been a long wait but from midday today (June 19) Canberrans can sit down at a pub and get a beer (without food) as part of the next stage of restrictions that will be eased in the ACT. 

With no significant increase in coronavirus cases in Canberra, the ACT government will move to step 2.2 in its recovery plan, which will also see:

• Cafes, restaurants, bars and licenced venues can seat up to 100 people within the one per four sqm rule – dependent on venue size
• Patrons can buy an alcoholic drink (seated), without having to get a meal, and betting agencies are allowed to reopen
• Local theatres, cinemas and concert venues will be able to reopen for up to 100 people within the one per four sqm rule 
• The occupancy at places of worship will also increase to 100 people for facilities that can manage the one per four sqm rule 
• Gyms, health clubs and fitness centres will be able to expand their services under supervision and with regular cleaning 
• Non-contact community and social sport competitions are allowed to restart but contact starts aren’t allowed to start until July 10. Full-contact training is allowed
• Universities/CIT and other vocational training providers to increase face-to-face learning