Get your dancing shoes ready, dancing is finally back on the agenda in Queensland just in time for Christmas.

The controversial ban on dancing at indoor venues such as clubs and pups will be lifted from Monday 14 December.

The restriction was introduced earlier this year to slow the spread of COVID-19 but after months of no community transmission in the state, the hospitality industry has been desperately calling for the restriction to be lifted.

Health and Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D’Ath said “we can blame it on the boogie again” but not on really small dance floors or mosh pits.

“What we want to see is dancing spread out across a greater area inside venues,” she said.

“Our COVID-19 success makes me feel like dancing and I encourage Queenslanders wanting to get their boogie on to do so in a COVID-safe way.”

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said indoor and outdoor dancing will be allowed with one dancer per two square metres across dancing areas in venues.

“Yesterday I met with industry stakeholders about bringing back dancing and, following their request to have some time in order to prepare their facilities, dancing will be permitted in venues from noon 14 December 2020,” Dr Young said.

While dancing is the focus for the next round of easing restrictions, Dr Young will also be meeting with other industries over the next week, including the wedding and funeral industry bodies, to discuss further easing of restrictions.

“I am very comfortable with being able to bring back dancing at this time, given we have had no community transmission in Queensland for 86 days.

“As long as we keep tracking well, we’ll continue to ease restrictions in a sensible way.

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“It is great news that we can wiggle our hips on the dance floor again, but please remember to provide your contact details, wash your hands, keep up physical distancing and stay at home if you are sick.”

Minister D’Ath thanked Queenslanders and acknowledged the effected industries on their hard worked and understanding in such a difficult time.

“It is because of everyone’s hard work and cooperation with public health directions that we will now be able to can-can at Christmas parties and rock around the clock as it strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve.

Last month, dancing was again allowed at outdoor venues, such as music festivals.