Name a date to reopen NSW music venues, Labor urges state govt

Earlier this month NSW music venues had another reason to open their doors, aside from the obvious ones, with Liquor & Gaming easing certain regulations.

Operators not only welcomed the stripping back of unnecessary expenses related to hotel security and ID scanning, but it signified a new era between authorities and venues.

Night Time Industries Association chair Michael Rodrigues called it “a very important cultural shift” in policing and regulation, and one that “gives rise to collaboration”.

This is a step forward, but the big question is, when will NSW music venues get back to work, given their counterparts in other states have a better idea.

NSW Labor is asking that very question, urging the Berejiklian government to provide a much-needed timeline to anxious venue operators.

“NSW is the only state without a plan for music venues,” says Labor shadow minister for music and the night-time economy, John Graham.

“Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory are all ahead on this,” Graham said.

NSW hospitality venues can have up to 50 patrons from June 1, in adherence to the new rules.

But Graham argues there is no clarity for specialist music and entertainment centres, including theatres, concert venues and dance halls.

Venue operators, bookers and promoters tell TMN they accept that re-opening music venues will be staggered before they hit full capacity again.

Labor emphasises that venues need a road map on the various stages they can re-open and what dates these would be.

The only ‘entertainment and amusement venues’ currently allowed to operate in NSW are betting agencies and drive-in cinemas.

According to the Australian Hotels Association NSW CEO John Whelan, 94% of the hotel workforce, or 75,000 staffers, have been stood down or terminated.

“Music and entertainment businesses have been some of the hardest-hit during the economic crisis,” Graham said. “These venues are haemorrhaging money. They’re often small businesses.

“We know reopening live music venues will boost community morale and wellbeing. Crucially it also means jobs.”

“Importantly, any reopening must be based on health advice. It still should be possible to provide a date and a detailed plan for reopening.”

According to Graham, this is the situation around the country:

Victoria: up to 50 patrons allowed in indoor cinemas, movie theatres, concert venues, theatres, arenas, auditoriums, and stadiums from 11.59 pm on June 21.

Queensland: up to 20 people will be allowed inside concert venues, theatres, arenas, auditoriums and stadiums from June 12.

South Australia: up to 20 patrons allowed per room in cinemas and theatres with venues allowed a total maximum of 80 patrons under the Stage 2 plan being implemented from June 1.

Tasmania: up to 20 allowed in cinemas, theatres, and performance venues from June 15.

Western Australia: concert venues will be permitted to open with gathering limits as part of the Phase 3 plan expected to open mid-June.

Northern Territory: cinemas, theatres, nightclubs and entertainment venues may begin trading again from 12:00 pm on June 5 so long as they comply with industry-specific guidelines.

Australian Capital Territory: up to 50 people in concert venues, theatres, arenas, auditoriums or stadiums for rehearsals and small performances from mid-July.