ACT government lays out $6 million hospitality package

Chief Minister Andrew Barr will announce the package on Friday, ahead of eased restrictions coming into effect in the ACT.

But members of other struggling industries have voiced their frustration they are yet to be included in an assistance package.

Mr Barr says more help for other groups will be considered.

Under the hospitality package, cafes and restaurants will receive a rebate of $1000 on their electricity bills in the first quarter of 2020-21.

Pubs, bars and restaurants may now be able to serve takeaway alcohol and offer a delivery service for up to a year.

The three-month permits announced in March can now be extended free of charge.

Hotels and serviced apartments will also receive a rebate on their water and sewerage fixed charge on Icon Water bills for the first two quarters of 2020-21.

Existing bars, cafes and restaurants will also have the option to move to a general liquor licence, free of charge until December 31 to broaden their business model.

"Our recovery plan will ensure we are supporting industries most impacted by COVID-19," Mr Barr said.

"The hotel and hospitality industry are one of the hardest hit sectors and despite restrictions easing, it will take time for many businesses to recover."

"The whole community can help by shopping and eating local to help businesses get back on track."

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New micro-producers will also be given a boost, with their fees reduced by 90 per cent for those who make and sell up to $100,000 of liquor in the first year of their off-licence.

Mr Barr said the government will reduce the City Centre Marketing and Improvement Levy by 50 per cent in 2020-21 for commercial properties in the city centre and Braddon.

The remaining 50 per cent will be deferred by six months until February 2021.

"Commercial property owners are encouraged to pass this saving on to their tenants," he said.

The details of the hospitality plan come after Mr Barr on Tuesday announced the sector would receive a support package.

But the move angered some business owners in other industries who say they've been forgotten.

Phillip Business Community president and Canberra Marital Arts owner Tom Adam said the hard-hit fitness industry felt left behind by the announcement.

He said the support announced for small businesses so far had mainly helped those who owned buildings.

Mr Adam wanted to see the government implement initiatives like grants for struggling small businesses, as other jurisdictions had done.

"Businesses don't want loans they will have to pay back later," he said.

"The very clear message we've got from them is they're keen to protect the budget at all costs."

Canberra workers in customer facing roles will also be able to access new nationally recognised infection control training to help them understand how to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading as more businesses start to reopen.

The free accredited training will be available before June 5. The training will be jointly funded by the territory and federal governments.

From Saturday, venues will be able to host 20 seated guests per enclosed room at a time for meals.

Gyms and other fitness studios have been given the green light to open for indoor group fitness sessions for up to 20 people.

Beauty therapy businesses and cultural institutions will also be allowed to open.

All businesses must abide by the one person per four square metre rule.