NSW is close to welcoming a fresh chorus of easing coronavirus restrictions, coming into effect next week.
The next round of changes brings some relief for stifled hotels with singing and dancing allowed again, ushering in the return of nightclubs, although all NSW venues will now move to a patron limit of one person per two square metres.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming nightclubs could reopen, most for the first time in a year, under the State Government’s safety net floorspace restriction.
“Our expectation is that one per two square metres gives us that extra level of comfort to mitigate against a super spreader event,” said Berejiklian.
From Monday (29 March) masks will no longer by mandatory anywhere, including on public transport.
There is no longer a cap on the number of guests allowed at weddings and funerals and entertainment venues such as theatres return to 100 per cent seating capacity, while the cap on outdoor public gatherings has been lifted to 200 people.
The cap on visitors in household settings has also been removed, but gatherings of more than 100 people at a home are supposed to be registered online.
Venues will certainly benefit from the latest easing, but do remain at 50 per cent capacity and the AHA NSW reports many pubs are struggling and need help, particularly in regional areas.
“In NSW recently we saw the return of the Aussie tradition of being able to stand up in a pub, hold a beer and chat to your mates. The return of dancing is another step in the process of getting things back to normal in many hotels and nightclubs and we welcome the Government’s announcement today,” offered AHA NSW director of liquor and policing, John Green.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet also noted the importance of the changes for businesses given the end of JobKeeper at the end of this month, but spoke of the revived event schedule and his own plans for celebration, with Health Minister Hazzard.
“Summer in the Domain is on, the (Golden) Slipper’s going to be racing at Rosehill, the Rugby League is on at Bankwest Stadium, the Swans are back at a full-house crowd at the SCG, Hamilton is premiering on Saturday night and now Brad and I are going clubbing next week.”
