Understanding 'Essential Businesses'
There has been a lot of confusion amongst Queensland’s business community surrounding the definition of an ‘essential business service.’
This follows a number of changes in the businesses allowed to remain open as the COVID-19 event transpires.
As of 25 March 2020, the public health direction referred to as the ‘Non-essential Business Closure Direction’ was updated to include a number of additional commercial activities. This is in addition to the rules in place banning non-essential indoor and outdoor gatherings.
While there is no clear-cut definition of what an essential business service is, there has been a comprehensive list of activities that must remain shut. For some businesses, certain exceptions may exist allowing them to remain open.
It is important to note, however, that all businesses are advised to implement appropriate hygiene measures and social distancing of 1.5 meters.
Failing to comply with the health direction carries a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units, or $13,345.
If your business isn’t listed below then you can continue to operate, while adhering to Queensland Health social distancing requirements.
As of the 31 March 2020, non-essential business activities include:
Strictly non-essential business activities (to remain closed until further notice)
Business, Activity, Undertaking, Premises or Place | Exemptions |
Strictly non-essential | |
Auction houses | N/A |
Beauty therapy, tanning, waxing and nail salons, and tattoo parlours | |
Cinemas | |
Nightclubs | |
Casinos, gaming or gambling venues | |
Strip clubs, brothels and sex on premises venues | |
Theme parks, amusement parks and arcades | |
Play centres (indoor and outdoor) | |
Indoor sporting centres, including gyms, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre and spin facilities, saunas, bathhouses and wellness centres | |
Campgrounds | |
Galleries, museums, national and state institutions and historic sites | |
Local government non-essential facilities and services (such as libraries and pools |
Non-Essential Business Activities with Exceptions
Business, Activity, Undertaking, Premises or Place | Exemptions |
Strictly non-essential | |
Retail food and drink services |
|
Real estate auctions and open house inspections |
|
Outdoor and indoor markets |
|
Licenced armourers and licenced dealers |
|
Hairdressers and barbershops |
|
Spas and massage parlours |
|
Registered and licenced clubs, licensed premises in hotels |
|
Concert venues, theatres, arenas, auditoriums, stadiums |
|
Boot camps, personal training |
|
Social sporting-based activities |
|
Swimming pools including public pools and pools in shared facilities such as hotels and apartments |
|
Hostels, bed and breakfasts, backpackers and boarding houses |
|
Zoos and wildlife centres |
|
Libraries, community centres, and youth centres |
|
Places of worship, weddings and funerals |
|
Strip clubs, brothels, sex on premises venues and sole operator sex workers |
|
Caravan and camping parks |
|
CCIQ acknowledges that there may be more specific classifications handed down to business sectors. You should always follow the direction of the State Government and get in contact with Queensland Health if you have any uncertainties.
Further information on non-essential business services can be found:
- Queensland Health website - here