- Cultural, entertainment and sporting venues can now be at full seated capacity, up to 1,000 patrons
- Tier 1 or 2 events will, however, remain at 75% capcity
- CHO said these restrictions will continue to ease pending compliance
Further density restrictions have been relaxed across Victoria meaning that 100% of seated indoor and outdoor capacity will be allowed for cultural, entertainment and sporting venues up to 1,000 patrons.
Venues seeking more than 1,000 attendees must still apply under the Public Events Framework for consideration. Tier 1 or 2 designated events will remain at 75%, according to the Victorian Government.
Subject to epidemiology and the general publics compliance with mandatory QR code check-in’s, the Chief Health Officer has hinted at gradually easing for ticketed events with more than 1,000 patrons in the future.
Venues included under the relaxed capacity rules include theatres, cinemas, music halls, concert halls, galleries, auditors, museums and sports and physical recreation facilities, according to Martin Foley, the Minister for Health.
“Designated empty chairs at these venues can now be filled – and that’s a big moment for operators who will be able to run at 100 per cent seated capacity, with up to 1,000 patrons per space, for the first time in almost a year.”
Martin Foley, Minister for Health
The one person per two square metre rule is still applicable in non-seated spaces such as lobbies.
Other changes announced by the Victorian Government include no density quotients, which will be applied in office-based workplaces except in public areas such as lobbies. This means more office-based workers can return to work – something that has been pushed by many bodies including the Property Council of Victoria. They recently called for a ‘Fab Friday‘ initiative to lure more workers back into the CBD.
“More people coming back to the office means more people visiting shops, cafes, restaurants and services throughout our business precincts, which are getting busier by the day.”
“There are still important steps that venues and visitors have to observe to help us stay safe and stay open, such as the need to keep checking in at venues.”
Martin Foley, Minister for Health
Additionally, there will be no density quotients for courts and tribunal facilities, along with the Victorian Parliament. Every Victorian business with on-site operations is still subject to having a COVIDSafe Plan.
