Western Australian venues will return to 100% capacity this week following an announcement by WA Premier Mark McGowan yesterday.
It was announced that the state will move into its Phase 5 plan for COVID restrictions which sees capacity limits removed across all venues in the state, including entertainment venues, from 12.01am on Wednesday 23 June.
Western Australia is the first state to return to pre-pandemic levels of trading for entertainment venues.
"Big news today for thousands of WA venues: this Wednesday Western Australia will proceed to Phase 5 of eased restrictions, and remove all COVID-related capacity limits," said McGowan in a statement yesterday.
"That means that all venues will be allowed to return to 100% of their pre-COVID capacity, and all major events will be able to occur with no limit on size or crowds.
"Venues will still be required to maintain contact registers and use the SafeWA app and have COVID Safety Plans in place. COVID Event Plans will also still be required for major events.
"This change follows updated health advice, and means that Western Australia will continue to lead the way in having some of the lightest restrictions in the world..."
The restriction changes include:
- The removal of the two square metre rule
- The removal of the 75 per cent capacity limit for hospitality and entertainment venues
- Major events of all kinds resuming with no limits on size or crowds
Contact registers will remain as mandatory for venues, and COVID safety and event plans will also continue.
Australian Live Music Business Council (ALMBC), who have been in negotiations with the WA State Government alongside promoters, have welcomed the news.
"Through the work done by the ALMBC we were clearly able to show the WA Government the positive impact the live music economy has on the overall entertainment economy in Perth," said ALMBC chair Stephen Wade.
"We welcome the WA Government announcement today and appreciate their support. We thank the State Government's willingness to hear our story and respond," added local promoter Ross MacPherson, owner of Macro Music and WA ALMBC board member.
"We now hope that we can get venues and festivals trading again after so much time under restrictions."
For more information on the eased restrictions, head here. Find out more about ALMBC and their work here.
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