‘Unfairly Singled Out’: WA Music Venues Unable To Reopen As COVID Restrictions Remain

Live music venues across Perth are still feeling the effects of last week’s snap lockdown.

The city and Peel region were forced into a three-day lockdown from midnight on April 24, and while the State Government eased “most restrictions” this past Saturday at 12:01am, capacity restrictions on live venues remained.

While businesses and venues in the affected areas could return to their pre-lockdown capacity from Saturday, nightclubs were subject to the four square metre rule, and thus many who rely on or host live music are unable to reopen this week.

Major Northbridge live music venue Jack Rabbit Slim’s noted that they “can not feasibly operate with a 25% capacity limit”.

“We do not understand the government's decision that has resulted in nightclubs being unfairly singled out, but we understand we have to play by the rules,” reads a statement on the venue’s Facebook.

“We hope to welcome you all back next weekend when common sense prevails.”

Additionally, on Friday Amplifier Bar in Perth City said: “The latest announcement around the easing of restrictions doesn't quite see us able to open this weekend.

“But we'll be back with one hell of a party for you when we do.”

Meanwhile, other beloved venues across Perth such as Rosemount Hotel and The Bird have recommenced operating amid the new restrictions. 

The snap lockdown had a huge effect on Perth Comedy Festival last week and across the weekend, with all shows scheduled from the lockdown up until yesterday, May 2, being cancelled.

The current restrictions will remain in place until this Saturday at 12:01am.

Across the weekend, WA avoided another snap lockdown following news a hotel quarantine worker tested positive for COVID last week and had been in the community while infectious.

An extensive list of new exposure sites was revealed this morning, but no new restrictions have been put in place as of yet as the situation continues to unfold.

For an overview of WA's gig slate this week amid the new restrictions, head to theGuide.