Sunshine Coast Venue Reopens Following Forced Closure Over Alleged COVID Safety Breaches

Sunshine Coast venue NightQuarter has announced its reopening following alleged COVID-19 safety breaches. 

The venue was issued with a closure notice at 8.30pm on Friday night by Queensland Health compliance officers and police following alleged COVID-19 safety breaches during concert events the weekend prior.

In a statement released today, venue owners Michelle Christoe and Ian van der Woude have confirmed that "Queensland Health subsequently revoked the closure directive at 5:30pm on 16th June" after "lengthy negotiations between NightQuarter, senior officials from Queensland Health, the office of MP Jarrod Bleijie and QMusic". 

The statement goes on to say that Queensland Health has recommended the venue submits an amendment to its COVID-Safe plan, specifically related to its 'Seated Events'. 

"We are so grateful to be reopening and for the support of the media, fans and the music industry," said Christoe. 

"Shutting a music venue down is a dangerous precedent for our industry already struggling with capacity restrictions and onerous COVID safety requirements. The restrictions are inconsistently applied across industries with standing, cheering and crowding common at sport- ing events. This leads to confusion and frustration from patrons when live music venues have different strict rules.

READ MORE: San Cisco Call For Compensation From Qld State Govt Following Abrupt Venue Closure

"While we absolutely understand the requirement to keep people safe and avoid community transmission, there have been less than a handful of community transmission cases in Queensland this year and it seems that live music venues are heavily targeted by authorities while events like State Of Origin are funded by the Government with much more leniency. 

"Every single time we had a show cancelled or postponed, it doesn't just affect our venue. It affects bands, managers, booking agents, crew, hospitality workers and the list goes on."

The news comes just days after WA band San Cisco called on the Queensland State Government for compensation following the abrupt closure which forced the cancellation of their show. Read the full story here.