Wow. It’s incredible how fast everything can change when there is a pandemic! Just two months ago, we were sitting on top of the world and today – there are now thousands of active cases across Victoria, increasing numbers in New South Wales, and even new cases in Queensland!

It’s certainly worrying, and as such, it’s no wonder some states have been re-introducing venue restrictions that had been relaxed for a few weeks now.

Here’s an update on venue restrictions in each state:

NEW SOUTH WALES

From July 24, cafes, restaurants, food and drink premises, cellar doors, clubs and casinos, small bars and micro-breweries, must all comply with the same restrictions as pubs. This includes a maximum of 10 people per booking or per table, maximum of 10 people in one group, a maximum of 300 people in the venue at any one time or one customer per 4m2.

There are to be no buffets or shared food platter options and dance floors should be closed.

Social distancing is required.

Border Update: Closed to Victorian residents. Lord Howe Island remains closed.

VICTORIA:

As of 2nd August 2020, face coverings are mandatory for all of Victoria, regardless of where you live; and all Melbourne suburbs have returned to Stay At Home restrictions.

Restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, clubs and nightclubs in Metropolitan Melbourne have returned to takeaway and home delivery only.  A curfew is in place between the hours of 8pm until 5am.

You can only travel up to 5km from your home.

Border Update: Open, but residents are not allowed to leave the state without quarantine.

QUEENSLAND:

After three weeks of people being allowed to stand at clubs and bars, this rule was changed in the past fortnight – and currently, you are only allowed to sit in venues.

Retail food services, pubs, clubs, wineries, function centres and other venues are allowed to operate for seated patrons only, as well as takeaway and delivery services. Social distancing is required.

There are to be no buffets or shared food platter options and dance floors should be closed.

Border Update: Closed to Victoria and Greater Sydney region.

NORTHERN TERRITORY:

The NT has luckily, continued with business as usual, however, some businesses are being shut down for failing to comply with safety restrictions. Generally though, you can attend cinemas and nightclubs, amusement centres, bars, restaurants, sports stadiums, pubs, and so on.

Each customer or party of customers need to be seated at separate tables (no communal tables), and there may a maximum of 10 people at a table.

There are to be no buffets or shared food platter options and customers must be seated when eating.

Border Update: Open to other states, except Victoria. Must quarantine for 2 weeks on arrival.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA:

Venues in South Australia are open, however, there is no shared utensils, no communal food and no re-usable equipment allowed. Nightclubs and licensed premises, pubs and casino areas, and other venues are open – but the total number of people must not exceed one person per 2m2.

Groups of no more than 10 people can dine together.

Border Update: Borders open to WA, TAS, QLD and NT. Closed to other states. Anyone from Victoria banned. NSW and ACT must quarantine.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:

In Western Australia, it’s back to business as usual (within reason).

Venue limits are scrapped, and people can stand to enjoy a beer or a dance. The only restriction that remains in place is the one person per 2m2 rule for numbers.

Border Update: Closed to all other states.

TASMANIA:

In Tasmania, there are 250 people allowed indoors, and 500 people allowed outdoors at gatherings. Maximum density is one person per 2m2. Patrons must be seated where alcohol is sold.

Border Update: From August 7, borders are open to SA, NT and WA without quarantine. Other states must quarantine. Victorians not allowed in Tasmania.

ACT:

Venues are operating with a maximum of 100 people indoors and outdoors, with one patron per 4m2. Dancing is not permitted, and groups for seated bookings are limited to 10 people.

Border Update: Open. Anyone who has visited NSW “hotspots” ordered to quarantine. Victorians will be stopped in NSW.

Stay tuned. We’ll keep you updated in future as things change.

For up to date advice and guidelines around venue restrictions

GET IN TOUCH with the team at My Venue Finder.