Large WA Venues To Allow Up To 300 People In From Next Week

The WA state Government has today announced that large venues will be allowed to bring in up to 300 people from next week. 

Premier Mark McGowan unveiled the Government's Phase 3 in easing COVID restrictions, which states that "indoor and/or outdoor venues with multiple, divided spaces may have up to 300 people, with up to 100 people in each space" from Saturday 6 June. 

Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants will also be allowed to serve alcohol without meals. 

“This is an important and substantial move forward for our state,” McGowan said.

We've just announced the details of Phase 3 of our roadmap for the easing of restrictions, with significant changes coming into effect on Saturday 6 June. pic.twitter.com/Khz3PhZ6Cy

— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) May 29, 2020

“I hope it means many more businesses will be able to open and employ many more Western Australians.”

In a statement issued today, West Australian Music (WAM) CEO Mike Harris welcomed the news but said the local music industry "is still in need of targeted support and action".

"The requirement for seating at live music venues does not reflect or represent the places where most music is played, making compliance with this restriction logistically and financially challenging for many," Harris said.

"We call on the state government to rescind this requirement for live music venues as soon as practicable."

Read the full statement here.

The news comes after the Victorian Greens called on the state Government to create a $50 million dollar dedicated fund for live music venues which are at risk of closing due to the COVID pandemic.

Meanwhile in New South Wales, Labor Shadow Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy, John Graham, has urged Premier Gladys Berejiklian to map out a return for when venues can reopen.