COVID restriction relaxation allows for more patrons at entertainment venues

Andrew Lethlean said the measures, announced on Tuesday morning, would provide the industry with an opportunity to get back to some sort of normality.

The cap on patrons at indoor non-seated entertainment venues will increase to 75 per cent capacity from 6pm on Friday.

Related: Eased rules on masks, private gathering caps as state returns to zero active COVID-19 cases

Density limits in venues such as nightclubs will also change to one person per two square metres instead of four.

Venues will still be limited at 1000 people per space.

The cap on patrons on dance floors will be lifted. However, dance floors will be restricted to the same density limit of the venue.

Mr Lethlean - who owns Bendigo's Star Bar, Malt Shovel Taphouse, Metropolitan Hotel and Tonic Bar - welcomed the capacity increase from 50 per cent.

Tuesday's announcement also covered face masks, which will no longer be mandatory in retail environments from 6pm on Friday.

More people will be allowed to gather in public and private settings, and more office workers will be allowed back at work.

Related: Supermarket workers elated that COVID-19 mask restrictions will ease

Larger crowds will also be allowed at major sporting events.

It comes as the state recorded no known active COVID-19 cases.

Health minister Martin Foley said the eased restrictions were a positive step in Victoria's social and economic recovery.

"But also a reminder that now is not the time to be complacent - we must continue to keep each other safe, so we can stay open," Mr Foley said.

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