Western Australia venues to return to 100% capacity this week

Western Australia’s Premier Mark McGowan has announced that the state’s live music venues will return to 100% capacity this week.

As of 12.01 am on Wednesday, June 23, the state will move into Phase 5 COVID restrictions, effectively removing capacity limits in hospitality and entertainment venues around the state.

The removal of the previous two-square-metre/ 75% capacity limits will now see Western Australia become the first state to return to pre-pandemic trading levels as a result.

Despite the removal of the capacity restrictions, venues will still be required to enact contact registering practices, and will also continue with COVIDSafe event plans.

Commenting on the easing of the capacity limits overnight, Premier McGowan said that the state has done a “remarkable job over the past 18 months”.

“This transition towards the end of our COVID-19 roadmap is a credit to each and every Western Australian,” McGowan said. “We’ve followed the health advice, been cautious and sensible, in an effort to crush this deadly virus in our community, all in the middle of a global pandemic.

“As a result our State’s economy continues to grow, it has roared back to life over the past 12 months, resulting in the lowest unemployment rate since 2013.

“The removal of the remainder of the capacity limits will be pleasing for many businesses right across WA and will also mean eventgoers can get back to enjoying their business.”

Big news today for thousands of WA venues: this Wednesday, WA will proceed to Phase 5 of eased restrictions, and remove all COVID-related capacity limits. pic.twitter.com/EdyT1o3jk1

— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) June 20, 2021

News of Western Australia’s easing capacity restrictions comes a month after a number of Perth venues requested a compensation package from the state government after a three-day snap lockdown resulted in an estimated loss of $150 million for the hospitality sector.

A full statement can be read here.