The Victoria Government is to allow 100% seated indoor and outdoor capacity for entertainment, cultural and sporting venues up to a maximum of 1,000 patrons per space as of 11:59pm tonight.
Announcing the latest easing of the state’s Coronavirus restrictions, Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley announced in a statement this afternoon “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% seated capacity, with up to 1,000 patrons per space, for the first time in almost a year."
A previous density limit of one person per 2 square metres in offices will also be lifted, allowing 100% of the workforce to return for the first time in more than a year.
With the Victorian Department of Health advising that the latest easing applies to theatres, cinemas, music halls, concert halls, auditoriums, galleries, museums, and sports and physical recreation facilities, Minister Foley added "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."
In gyms and sport facilities and the non-seated spaces of those venues - like lobbies or bathrooms - must follow one person per 2 square metre rule.
Venues wanting to have more than 1,000 patrons will need to apply for consideration under the state's Public Events Framework.
Larger events designated as Tier 1 and Tier 2 will remain at the 75% limit currently in place.
All venues must continue to comply with the state's QR code rules and have a COVIDSafe plan in place.
The announcement confirms an agreement made at today's National Cabinet meeting, which foreshadowed the lifting of caps at major sporting venues.
In a statement, the Victorian Department of Health advised “in line with AHPPC guidance, the Chief Health Officer will work towards future easing of caps for ticketed seated indoor and outdoor entertainment, cultural and sporting venues of more than 1,000 patrons subject to epidemiology and compliance with mandatory QR code usage.”
Aquatic centres, gyms and sporting facilities
The latest easing announcement appears to be little different to rules introduced as of 26th March, where limits on class sizes for outdoor and indoor community sport, physical recreation or fitness classes (including gyms, health clubs, class-based fitness, studios, spin facilities and personal training facilities, trampolining centres and indoor play centres) have been removed, subject to:
• A density quotient of one person per two square metres - which limits the number of people allowed in spaces and reduces the risk of transmission within a closed space.
• Operate by the density quotient of one person per four square metres if unstaffed.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
Read more from this author
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