The Ballarat and District Trotting Club has confirmed it has been successful in securing a permit to host a crowd for its upcoming December 11 meeting.

BDTC chief executive Paul Rowse said the meeting would be a ticketed event and those attending will have to remain in the Terrace Restaurant throughout the evening.

"The simple premise that we have to operate under on the race night is that our crowd cannot mix with our participants or race staff," Rowse said.

"Unfortunately it will be a lock-in job in the Terrace Restaurant, but we have made it a discounted price for our members and owners of horses on the night.

"It's step one for us. We'll see how that plays out."

Rowse said the club had also applied to host a crowd for the popular Boxing Day meeting and was unsure what the group 1 Ballarat Pacing Cup on January 23 would look like.

"Obviously with a couple of country cups placed before ours - being Bendigo and Shepparton - we'll get a good feel for what it may look like," he said.

"But in reality, it won't be a Pacing Cup like people are used to, based on the fact that a lot of the activities we had for on-course patrons would more than likely not be allowed.

"We'll be looking to extend our outdoor food and beverage offer to be able to make sure we are compliant with the government restrictions."

The return of crowds to race meetings is a huge boost for the harness racing industry, which has continued racing through the COVID-19 pandemic with only essential staff and racing personnel allowed to attend race meetings since March.

A calendar of meetings and their availability to the public will be published on thetrots.com.au and club social media channels and websites.

Those wanting to attend the December 11 meeting should call the club on 5335 9041.