Greater Shepparton City Council highlighted the quotas aim to keep residents and hospitality venues - plus visitors now flowing in from across the state - safe from COVID-19.
“It is critical that our hospitality businesses and their customers continue to adhere to the COVIDSafe requirements and restrictions, to continue to keep us all safe but also to avoid any penalties,” council economic development manager Anthony Nicolaci said.
“If in breach, Victoria Police can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $1652 for customers and up to $9913 for hospitality businesses.
“Now that we are finally able to enjoy going out to dine and socialise with friends and family over a meal, we don’t want such special occasions to be soured by a fine that could have easily been avoided.
“As we continue to say, ‘we are all in this together’, which means we all need to do our own bit to keep each other safe and keep our venues open for business.”
Hospitality venues can now accommodate up to 40 seated patrons indoors and 70 outdoors.
However, only one person is allowed per four square metres, with a maximum of 10 people per space.
Spaces can be separated by either temporary structures or at least 5 m between collections of 10 seats.
This may mean less customers can be accommodated indoors due to the overall density requirements.
Density quotients also apply outdoors, with a cap of one person for every two square metres, and maximum groups of 10 people.
Infants under 12 months are not included in the limit.
Venues are still only open for seated service, and diners must be seated so they are 1.5 m away from any patron from an adjacent group.
Customers must wear a face mask unless consuming food or drink and must remember to reapply masks when getting up from the table for any purpose.
Residents are encouraged to make bookings ahead of time to ensure hospitality venues aren't at risk of exceeding quotas, and to ensure they book accurate numbers.
People should also avoid sharing items such as cutlery and glasses.
For further information, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-10/Industry-Restart-Guidelines-Hospitality_0.pdf
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