Update to COVIDSAFE Settings

This morning, Acting Premier James Merlino announced that there will be some easing of restrictions that will come into play at 6pm on Friday 26 March.

For the music sector this means:

• All venues and creative arts facilities are required to use electronic record keeping through the Services Vic app or a government API-linked digital system for electronic record keeping (venues will have a 28-day compliance amnesty)
• Nightclubs and dancefloors can operate at a density quotient of 1 per 2sqm (no max patron limit)
• Seated venues can operate at 75% of seated capacity (max 1000 patrons)
• Non seated venues can operate at a density quotient of 1 per 2qm up to 75% capacity (max 1000)
• Arrangements for capacity over 1000 are determined on an individual basis under the Public Events Framework. Venues with a capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.

While there are some things to celebrate here, like the alleviation of dancefloor-specific quotients, we realise there are significant issues still to be addressed. For most non-seated venues the increase to 75% capacity is meaningless so long as the 1 per 2sqm density quotient remains in place. Music Victoria will be meeting with representatives from DHHS and State Government this week to discuss these issues and the ongoing struggles faced by the music sector.

For the full story on the statewide changes to restrictions, click here.