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State and Territory COVID Restrictions for Nightclubs and Music Events in Australia

State & Territory COVID Restrictions for Nightclubs & Music Events in Australia

Last Update: 21 January, 2021

NEW SOUTH WALES

In Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong areas, it is mandatory to wear a face mask indoors. All hospitality venues are also now required to use the NSW Government QR code system. Venues may also require a COVID-19 Safety Plan.

COVID Nightclub & Live Music Restrictions

As of Monday, 7 December 2020:

  •        In Greater Sydney, capacity must not exceed 300 patrons, OR one patron per 4 square metres of publicly accessible space, whichever is less.
  •        Capacity in regions outside of Greater Sydney must not exceed one customer per 2 square metres of publicly accessible space. 
  •        No dancefloors permitted, including in Nightclubs. 
  •        All venues must have an appropriate COVID-19 safety plan, and COVID-19 safety marshals.

Indoor entertainment facilities must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and can: 

  •        No dancefloors.

COVID Music Event/Festival Restrictions

Across the Greater Sydney Region (including the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong) controlled outdoor events may have 500 people (if people are assigned to a seating area) or 2,000 people (if people are assigned to a specific seat), subject to the one person per 2 square metre rule. No dancefloors are permitted.

Events may also need a COVID-19 Safety Plan.

Group Singing/Performers

  • No more than 5 performers should sing indoors, with 1.5m between performers and 5m between performers and the audience. 
  • Indoor areas, audience members and congregants should not participate in singing or chanting.
  • Outdoor areas, if the event is one where the audience is likely to participate in singing or chanting, audience members should wear a face mask.

To minimise infection risk:

  • all singers should face forwards and not towards each other 
  • maintain physical distancing of 1.5 metres between each other and any other performers, and
  •        keep 5 metres distancing from all other people including the audience and conductor.

NSW Rehearsal Spaces/Recording Studios

No more than 5 performers should sing indoors, with 1.5m between performers and 5m between performers and the audience. 

Rehearsals in outdoor settings can have a maximum of 500 people, subject to the one person per 2 square metre rule.

Players of non-reeded woodwind instruments (such as flutes and recorders) should maintain a physical distance of 3 metres from others in the direction of air flow, and 1.5 metres in all other directions.

Players of all other musical instruments (including reeded woodwind instruments) should maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres between each other and the audience/conductor. Ensembles and other musical groups should rehearse and perform outdoors or in large, well-ventilated indoor spaces.

You should check with your local space/studio to confirm any additional COVID restrictions that may be in place and if they have reopened for business.

NSW State Government Website:

 

 

VICTORIA

COVIDSafe Summer restrictions now apply in Victoria.

COVID Nightclub & Live Music Restrictions

  •        Dance floors can reopen in nightclubs, bars and pubs. The four-square metre rule must be applied to limit the number of people on the dancefloor and there can only be up to 50 people on the dancefloor at one time, if space allows.
  •        For all other indoor and outdoor hospitality venues a density quotient of 1 person per 2 square metres applies. 
  •        Venues can have up to 25 people before the two square metre rule needs to be applied.
  •        All venues are required to use electronic record keeping when applying the density quotient of  one person per 2 square metres. In venues not using electronic record a density quotient of one person per 4 square metres applies. There are no other limits on the number of people.
  •        Venues can open for seated and unseated service. 
  •        Face masks re strongly recommended indoors and outdoors when 1.5 metre distancing is not possible. They are mandatory on public transport, taxis, share vehicles and retail.
  •        Live music venues can open for up to 75% of seating capacity (maximum of 1,000 patrons). This applies for both indoor and outdoor seated entertainment venues.
  •        Indoor non-seated entertainment venues can open up to 50% of capacity (max. of 1,000 patrons).
  •        Outdoor non-seated entertainment venues must apply the two square metre rule if using electronic record keeping. If using paper-based records, the four square metre rule applies. 
  •        Face masks are strongly recommended throughout performances, when paying, or using facilities.
  •        Performers recommended to remain two metres apart, and five metres away from the audience.  
  •        Large venues that can have 500 or more people in attendance, must publish their COVIDSafe Plan on their website.   
  • Record keeping continues to be an important tool for helping Victoria to stay safe and stay open. Businesses that are required to record the details of visitors should use electronic record keeping or QR codes. The Victorian Government has a free QR code service.

COVID Music Event/Festival Restrictions

Victoria has three phases as part of its COVID Safe Summer plan, with a gradual easing of restrictions taking place every 14-days. Subject to public health advice these include:

  •        COVID Safe Summer Phase 1 (current)

-        75% of seating capacity, up to a maximum of 5,000 people seated; 

-        1 person per 2 square metres to non-fixed seated areas – e.g. grassed areas; QR codes must be used to check-in for these events.

-        Tier 3 events with fewer than 1,000 people are permitted some standing and roaming as per the Restricted Activity Directions.

-        Tier 1 and 2 events with more than 1,000 people are allocated seated events only.

  •        ‘COVID Safe Summer’ Phase 2

-        75% of seating capacity, up to a maximum of 25,000 people seated; 

-        1 person per 2 square metres to non-fixed seated areas – e.g. grassed areas; QR codes must be used to check-in for these events.

-        Allocated seated events only. Free-standing events not permitted, unless permitted under the Restricted Activity Directions.

  •        ‘COVID Safe Summer’ Phase 3

-        gradual return to 100% of seating capacity; and 

-        gradual return of free-standing events.

Other Entertainment Venues

  • Indoor and outdoor seated entertainment venues can open for up to 75% of seating capacity up to 1,000 patrons. 
  • Large indoor venues, such as the NGV and Princess Theatre, can open for up to 50% of the total venue capacity (up to a maximum of 1,000 patrons). 
  • For non-seated areas, venues can use the two square metre rule if using electronic record keeping. If using paper-based records, the four square metre rule. 
  • Outdoor non-seated entertainment venues can open and can apply the two square metre rule if using electronic record keeping. 
  • Indoor non-seated entertainment venues can open up to 50% of capacity (max. of 1,000 people).  
  • Large venues that host over 500 people at one time must publish their COVIDSafe Plan on their website.   

Victoria Rehearsal Spaces/Recording Studios 

·       If rehearsals are held indoors, the indoor venue should be well ventilated.

  •        For music and singing rehearsals it is recommended artists maintain at least two metres from other people in the rehearsal. 
  •        It is strongly recommended you wear a face mask when you can’t keep 1.5 metres distance from other people - however, it is no longer mandatory.
  • No group limits apply. 
  • The facility can apply the two square metre rule if using electronic record keeping. This means the limit on the number of people who can attend is determined by the size of the space. The two square metre rule is the only limit on the number of people who can attend. 
  • Activities can be held indoors or outdoors. The facility must apply the two square metre rule to ensure people have enough room to maintain 1.5 metres distance between them.  
  • Musicians and bands can rehearse at someone’s home, with the number of musicians limited to the household cap of 30 visitors per day.
  • Band members recommended to maintain at least two metres between themselves and others.  

You should check with your local space/studio to confirm any additional COVID restrictions that may be in place and if they have reopened for business.

Victoria State Government Website:

·       Arts and Recreation Services Sector Guide

 

 

QUEENSLAND

COVID Nightclub & Live Music Restrictions

From 1am Friday 22 January 2021:

  •        Dancing is allowed in all indoor and outdoor venues including nightclubs, bars, clubs and outdoor music festivals, subject to the one person per 2 square metre rule. This includes standing eating and drinking. Dancers asked to socially distance as best as possible. 
  •        Indoor events: 500 people permitted at indoor events with a COVID Safe Event Checklist. Larger events require a COVID Safe Plan.
  •        Ticketed venues: 100% capacity at seated, ticketed venues with patrons encouraged to wear masks on entry and exit (e.g. theatre, live music, cinemas and indoor sports). Performers can distance from audience at 2m, except choirs which remain at 4m from the audience.
  •        Open air stadiums: 100% seated capacity (with a COVID Safe Plan). All patrons encouraged to wear masks on entry and exit.
  •        While not mandatory, people are encouraged to wear a mask in any indoor or outdoor space when physical distancing is not possible.

Queensland Safe Future: COVID roadmap to recovery plan.

All businesses can open, in line with the COVID Safe Framework.

COVID Music Event/Festival Restrictions

Organisers of events with more than 500 (indoors) / 1,500 (outdoor*) people and operating in compliance with an Approved Plan other than a COVID Safe Event Plan must notify the Public Health Unit of the event a minimum of 10 business days before the event via the COVID Safe Event Plan Submission Portal.

For more information on COVID Safe Events and the COVID Safe Events Framework.

QLD Rehearsal Spaces/Recording Studios

Rehearsal spaces and recording studios may have one person per 2 square metres on their premises.

Physical distancing rules still apply. So wherever possible, people should remain 1.5 metres away from others.

For full details, read the official public health direction.

You should check with your local space/studio to confirm any additional COVID restrictions that may be in place and if they have reopened for business.

Additional Information from Queensland State Government Website:

·       Roadmap to Easing Restrictions

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

COVID Nightclub & Live Music Restrictions

For Nightclubs and venues:

  •        the total number of patrons must not exceed 1 person per 2 square metres, with the maximum number of attendees determined by the venue size – staff not included in these requirements. 
  •        reasonable steps must also be taken to maintain 1.5m physical distancing.
  •        contact tracing required.
  •        COVID Marshal required if food/beverages are served.

A COVID Management Plan is required for ‘high-risk’ public activities that include:

  •        the operation of a nightclub, where the principle purpose of the premise is for the consumption of liquor, theplaying of loud, amplified music and dancing;
  •        licensed premises under the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 where both dancing and the consumption of liquor occurs; and
  •        gatherings and activities of more than 1,000 people.

Before starting any of these activities, a COVID Management Plan must be approved by SA Health. In some cases events, nightclubs and other venues may require both a COVID Management Plan and a COVID-Safe Plan for each vendor.

Entertainment venues where patrons are in fixed seating, capacities can increase to 75% if patrons wear masks, or 50% if masks are not worn.

COVID Music Event/Festival Restrictions

All major music events and festivals of more than 1,000 people are considered ‘high risk’ and require a pre-approved COVID Management Plan, before any event of can take place as well as a COVID-Safe Plan.

Concerts and live performances under 1,000 people only require COVID Safe Plan, if no dancing or consumption of alcohol; takes place. Otherwise they too are required to have an approved COVID Management Plan.

SA Rehearsal Spaces/Recording Studios

All rehearsal spaces and recording studios as a defined public activity must have a COVID-Safe Plan. Contact tracing records are also required.

The density restriction is 1 person per 2 square metres, with the maximum number of attendees at a place of business determined by its size. 

You should check with your local space/studio to confirm if the most recent COVID restrictions have changed what is possible in these spaces and if they are open for business.

South Australia State Government Website:

·       Activities and gatherings

 

 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA live music venues and nightclubs must now use the state government’s SafeWA QR code app. 

COVID Nightclub & Live Music Restrictions

No limit on capacity for nightclubs and live music venues, subject to the 2 square metre rule and physical distancing. This means the maximum number of patrons permitted will be based on the size of the venue. Dancing is also permitted.

Unseated performances are also permitted at venues including nightclubs, live music venues, bars, pubs, and concert halls.

The maximum capacity for a seated performance that is ticketed and takes place in a seated entertainment space is 60%. For unseated entertainment venues, a 50% capacity rule applies.

COVID Music Event/Festival Restrictions

A COVID Event Plan is required for a public or private event involving more than 500 patrons, including for events that require additional Local Government Authority approval to proceed. 

While some large stadium venues are only permitted to operate at half capacity, there is currently no maximum number of people set for events. There is, however, a mandatory requirement to provide a minimum of 2 square metres per person in the areas where people are permitted.

COVID Event Plans proposing larger numbers of patrons/attendees are more likely to be considered ‘high risk’ and require escalation to the Department of Health for review.

High risk events are considered by the WA health department as:

  •        those that run for more than 4 hours; 
  •        where alcohol is a primary or secondary focus;
  •        having a dancefloor or mosh-pit; and
  •        where the venue’s stage or performance area is a focal point leading to crowded spaces. 

WA Rehearsal Spaces/Recording Studios

Businesses are no longer subject to a defined capacity limit. The number of people a rehearsal space or recording studio can accommodate will be determined by the 2 square metres per person rule.

You should check with your local space/studio to confirm any additional COVID restrictions that may be in place and if they have reopened for business.

Western Australia State Government Website:

 

 

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Northern Territory live music venues and nightclubs must review their COVID-19 Safety Plan every six months, appoint a COVID Safety Supervisor and collect customer contact details to assist with contact tracing.

COVID Nightclub & Live Music Restrictions

Nightclubs in the Northern Territory can re-open and dancing is permitted with physical distancing. Groups who do not know each other should abide by a 1.5m rule. 

Gatherings of over 500 people must complete a COVID-19 safety checklist.

COVID Music Event/Festival Restrictions

Events with less than 100 people don’t require a checklist or safety plan. Physical distancing is encouraged - with attendees to remain 1.5 metres apart from other groups. Hygiene principles should also be in place.

Events of 100 to 500 people must complete a COVID-19 safety checklist. They must also consider and implement physical distancing and hygiene measures.

Major events and public gatherings of over 500 people must submit a COVID-19 Event Safety Plan and receive formal approval from the Chief Health Officer prior to the event proceeding. If the Chief Health Officer does not approve the plan, the event cannot proceed.

Event organisers must stay informed about the Directions of the Chief Health Officer and any restrictions that relate to activities they may want to undertake.

NT Rehearsal Spaces/Recording Studios

Recording studios and rehearsal spaces that follow the NT guidelines and checklists can reopen.

You should check with your local space/studio to confirm any additional COVID restrictions that may be in place and if they have reopened for business.

Northern Territory Government Website:

·       Nightclubs, cinema, theatres and similar entertainment venues: Guidelines and Checklist

 

 

TASMANIA

COVID Nightclub & Live Music Restrictions

All Tasmanian venues are required to implement measures to meet the minimum COVID-19 safety standards as outlined in the SA government’s  COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework. 

Live music events also have a maximum ‘density limit’ of one person per 2 square metres and a ‘gathering limit’ of:

  •        250 people for an undivided space in an indoor venue; and
  •        1,000 people in an undivided space outdoors.

Where the number of people permitted according to the ‘density limit’ is less than the ‘gathering limit’, the lower number applies.

Standing and drinking alcohol and/or dancing is permitted in premises with a liquor licence or liquor permit up to a maximum of 100 people in indoor spaces and 250 people in outdoor spaces, within current density requirements.

Patrons in other parts of the premises or event can also consume alcohol while sitting down, subject to density requirements.

The management of risk associated with these activities must also be covered in a venue’s COVID-19 Safety Plan.

Where practicable, people should maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from each other. 

For mixed use venues with multiple indoor or outdoor spaces, the gathering limit applies separately to each single undivided space. For example, a large hotel with multiple, separate indoor spaces (e.g. conference room, bar, restaurant, foyer, beer garden), is permitted to have up to 250 people for each of these spaces (the density limit applies).

COVID Music Event/Festival Restrictions

The Tasmanian Government has released A Framework for COVID Safe Events and Activities in Tasmania, which supports organisers to plan COVID-safe gatherings from 1 December 2020 that exceed the gathering limits in the Management of Premises Direction.

Depending on the risk profile of the event, it will be classed as Level 1, 2 or 3, and different controls will apply depending on the level. All levels are subject to density limits of 2 square metres of space per person 

Level One: 

  •        Free moving and mixing: max. 250 people inside and max. 1,000 people outside 
  •        Seated (capped at 50% seated capacity): max. 500 people inside and max. 2,000 people outside 
  •        Combination: Event with multiple separate areas or sites: max. of 2,000 people. 

Level Two: 

  •        Free moving and mixing: max. 500 people inside and max. 2,000 people outside 
  •        Seated (capped at 50% seated capacity): max. 1,000 people inside and max. 5,000 people outside 
  •        Combination: Event with multiple separate areas or sites: max. of 5,000 people. 

Level Three: 

  •        Free moving and mixing: max. 1,000 people inside and max. 5,000 people outside 
  •        Seated (capped at 50% seated capacity): max. 2,000 people inside and max. 10,000 people outside 
  •        Combination: Event with multiple separate areas or sites: max. of 10,000 people. 

Important considerations for event capacity: 

  •        Density limit applies at all levels, which requires a minimum of two square metres per person. 
  •        Physical distancing for all people of 1.5 metres from each other applies where practicable. 
  •        Seated patrons must not exceed 50% of the venue’s total seated capacity. 
  •        All people in the venue (patrons, staff and performers) count towards the capacity limit at the relevant event level. 

The Mass Gatherings Direction provides a legal basis for the Framework.

The Framework will be reviewed over time as the rules for mass gatherings and events are updated to reflect the changing COVID-19 situation in Tasmania. The Framework will enable organisers to apply to hold an event under one of three levels.

More information on the COVID-19 Safe Events and Activities Events Framework.

Tasmanian Rehearsal Spaces/Recording Studios

All Tasmanian businesses including rehearsal spaces and recording studios are now permitted to operate, but must implement measures to meet the minimum COVID-19 safety standards and record this in a COVID-19 Safety plan. Further details are outlined in the COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework.

You should check with your local space/studio to confirm any additional COVID restrictions that may be in place and if they have reopened for business.

Tasmanian State Government Website:

·       Guidance on Managing Events & Activities in a COVID-19 Environment

 

 

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

From 9am, Wednesday 2 December 2020, Canberra’s Recovery Plan Easing of Restrictions Roadmap moved to Stage 4.

COVID Nightclub & Live Music Restrictions

Nightclubs are now permitted to reopen and dancing is allowed. 

The same conditions apply as licensed venues, which allow:  

  •        the number of people on indoor dedicated dance areas to a maximum of 25, using one person per two square metres, if the Check-in CBR app is in use; or
  •        one person per four square metres, without the Check-in CBR app in use. 

·       If venues want to have more than 25 people across their venue, they can use one person per two square metres of usable space in indoor and outdoor spaces, provided they use the Check In CBR app.

  •        Businesses and venues not using the Check In CBR app can continue to have one person per four square metres of usable space in indoor spaces and one person per two square metres in outdoor spaces.
  •        Patrons to be seated while consuming alcohol in indoor spaces.
  •        Large indoor venues can have 65% capacity for ticketed and seated events, up to 1,500 people, but must have a COVID Safe Plan in place for each event.

Live music can be performed; however performers should try to maintain physical distancing requirements wherever possible.  Singers should try to stand at least 2 metres away from other band members as well as audience members.

COVID Music Event/Festival Restrictions

Events which involve gatherings of up to 500 people are currently allowed and do not need to seek exemptions, unless they do not comply with the Public Health Directions. 

However, events of over 200 people are required to submit their COVID Safe Event Plan to the Office of the Chief Health Officer, even if they do not require an exemption. 

Any Event with gatherings of over 500 people is considered ‘high risk’ (indoor or outdoor) and must develop a detailed COVID Safe Event Plan, as well as a Risk Management Plan for consideration by ACT Health. For events over 1,000 people and multi day events, it must also be reviewed by an Event Assessment Committee. 

Events which will be utilising the one person per 2 square metre density limit indoors, must use the Check in CBR app and this must be detailed in the COVID Safe Event Plan.

Where seated venues (i.e. stadiums) have the capacity to hold numbers significantly higher than 8,000 people, consideration will be given for events to have a maximum of 65% capacity across the venue.

Where spectators are seated in permanent tiered seating (i.e. theatre or grandstand), events are able to have a maximum of 65% capacity across the venue, up to a maximum of 1,500 tickets.

Events of over 8,000 people will not be considered at this stage (with the exception of events at stadiums).

Events of more than 500 people, which run over multiple days with the same attendees may be considered but organisers must demonstrate a solid understanding of the risks involved and outline risk mitigation measures. Communal camping is considered a very high risk and unlikely to gain approval. 

A COVID Safe Plan is required for each event.

ACT Rehearsal Spaces/Recording Studios

Recording studios and rehearsal spaces can have 25 people across the entire space or if they want to have more than 25 people, they can use 1 person per 2 square metres of usable space in indoor and outdoor spaces, provided they use the Check In CBR app.

Recording studios and rehearsal spaces not using the Check In CBR app can continue to have 1 person per 4 square metres of usable space in indoor spaces and 1 person per 2 square metres in outdoor spaces. 

You should check with your local space/studio to confirm any additional COVID restrictions that may be in place and if they have reopened for business.

Australian Capital Territory Government Website:

·       COVID Safe Event Protocol

 

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