One of Ballarat's driving ranges is set to remain open despite this week's state government directive that "shared facilities and driving ranges cannot open".
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Golf City Driving Range on Learmonth Street has announced it will remain open, with owner Ben Roberts saying the venue had received an exemption from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Speaking to The Courier on Friday afternoon, Mr Roberts said his venue would be able to trade as usual, although the business' mini-golf facilities would remain closed and patrons would not be able to rent equipment.
"DHHS has given us the all clear," Mr Roberts said.
"Under all the information they've got there, our venue is allowed to be open. They've said as long as you're outdoors, and as long as you're not providing hire equipment and everyone is social-distancing and sanitising... they've said we're allowed to be open."
This is despite directions on the official DHHS website saying that while people can play golf in regional Victoria under stage three restrictions "shared facilities and driving ranges cannot open and equipment must not be shared or rented".
The Learmonth Street business also has the backing of Ballarat Police, with one spokesperson saying "we can see no reason why they would have to close under stage three restrictions".
DHHS did not respond to The Courier's queries regarding the exemption.
Golf Australia also announced its restrictions on Thursday, adding "Club/facility driving ranges, putting greens and chipping areas cannot operate unless a distance of at least 100 metres between groups of 2 can be maintained".
Mr Roberts said the exemption has released some stress for his business and will hopefully act as an outlet for people to responsibly exercise.
"It's stressful for us, it's a horrible thing that's happening," he continued.
"A few people just assumed that we fall under the same category as a golf course venue, but I thought we were in the other side of it which is good.
"We're not going to promote for hundreds of people to come down but it's going to give those guys who need a half an hour break and need a stress release out of the house for a little while."
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