WITH more restrictions scrapped across the state last night, local hospitality and retail workers are viewing the changes as a step in the right direction after a tumultuous two years.

As of 11.59pm last night, state-wide COVID-19 restrictions were eased further, meaning hospitality and retail workers are no longer required to wear masks or ask customers for proof of vaccination certificates upon entry.

The changes are being welcomed by local businesses, with Commercial Hotel Hamilton bartender and supervisor, Daniel Meek-Fennell, saying he was glad restrictions had eased and masks were no longer mandatory.

“It’s a big relief,” he said.

“(With wearing a mask) there’s definitely a bit of a mental game to it because when you’re front of house you gotta put your game face on.

“It’s a funny feeling after wearing one for a long time and taking it off - you feel more interactive with customers.

“It really does become a massive barrier.”

Mr Meek-Fennell said the changes to checking customer’s vaccination statuses was also a relief, as being selective around who was allowed to enter the premises conflicted with the inviting nature of hospitality work.

“It makes it so much easier and takes away all the drama of asking for vaccination certificates,” he said.

“In hospitality, you’re meant to be there for people and try to be as welcoming as possible, so it’s a strange feeling to have to turn people away over their vaccination status.

“We’ve been pretty good, I know there’s been only one person who tries to get in unvaccinated and we’ve told them no.”

After two years of changing restrictions that constantly impacted the viability of hospitality businesses and the livelihoods of employees, Mr Meek-Fennell said the further easing of restrictions felt like light at the end of the tunnel.

“It’s definitely been a rollercoaster,” he said.

“I think everyone is over the restrictions to be honest.”

Under the new changes, close contacts will no longer need to quarantine and workplaces will not need to individually identify each potentially exposed worker, which Mr Meek-Fennell said would hopefully assist with the staff shortages experienced by local pubs and cafes.

“I feel like a lot of people are scared to get into the hospitality industry at the moment because you could end up with weeks of unemployment,” he said.

“People need a bit of encouragement to get back into hospitality.

“I know a lot of people were struggling for staff and this summer was really quiet, its almost like its too much drama to go out and get a beer these days.”

However, Mr Meek-Fennell said things were looking up and he was excited to see business pick up and people out and about.

“We’re excited to bring the community back in,” he said.

“Working at the pub, it’s a place for the town to come communalise and socialise which is a huge part of human nature.

“The pub is such a central place, like you don’t want to bring your parents to your messy house, so you go to the pub, have a meal, have a drink, and play some pool.”