'Our customers have been stinging for a beer': Canberra restrictions ease to allow for 100 people gatherings

Within about five minutes of ACT restrictions on venue numbers being lifted, the venue was already full of people with pints in hand.

At 12pm on Friday, the territory moved to step 2.2 of its easing of coronavirus restrictions.

The most significant change is limits on gatherings have increased from 20 people to 100 people in indoor and outdoor enclosed spaces, as long as the one-person-per-four-square-metres rule is abided by.

People will also be allowed to go to a bar and have a drink without being forced to have a meal.

Cinemas, indoor amusement centres, arcades and betting agencies will also be allowed to reopen and concerts can resume. Canberra stadium will also welcome back crowds in early July.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the easing of restrictions was a recognition of how well the Canberra community had responded to the pandemic.

"This is a very significant next step in the easing of restrictions in the ACT," he said.

"The range of activities that can either step up or commence for the first time will see a lot of employment come back into our economy and we'll see a return of so many customers to so many of their favourite places."

Mr Barr marked the occasion at the Capital Brewing Co in Fyshwick, which under the new restrictions would be able to cater for up to 175 people at any one time.

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Capital Brewing Co managing director Laurence Kain said the brewery was only taking bookings for half the venue to allow for walk-ins. It was booked out for the weekend.

"I think our customers have been stinging for a beer since pubs closed pretty much, sitting at home drinking tinnies wishing they could get it on tap," he said.

Hand sanitisers were available and customers were required to record their details at the front door.

Mr Kain said being able to sell their product in bottle stores helped but over the lockdown revenue was down about 50 per cent.

Despite this he supported a slow easing of restrictions.

"We've been really supportive of the slow approach to easing the restrictions, we definitely don't want to see a second wave," he said.

Mr Barr also took the opportunity to spruik the ACT government's choose local campaign, to encourage Canberrans to buy locally.

"People who spend money in Canberra businesses from here on in will be supporting local jobs and we'll see more people back in work with the more money we spend in our local economy," he said.

ACT chief health officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said the territory was in a good position to ease these measures but she highlighted the need for control measures such as physical distancing, good hygiene, people to stay home if they are unwell and COVID-19 testing for those with symptoms.

"As we allow more people to come together, I want to reiterate the need to continue to mitigate the public health risks by having appropriate control measures in place," she said.

"This is not just a requirement for businesses. It extends to all Canberrans."

Stage 3 of easing restrictions is expected next month.