Live Music Update – November 22 (Click here for a comprehensive list of current restrictions for the entertainment and culture sector):

Audiences

• All audiences need to be seated and wearing a mask (unless eating or drinking)

Musicians

• Are recommended to be 2m apart and 5m away from the audience (this is a recommendation, not a requirement)
• Masks are to be worn if you are performing indoors unless you’re singing or playing brass/woodwind. Masks are not required outdoors.

Live Music Venues (e.g. pubs/clubs/hospitality)

• under 200m² can have 1 person per 2sqm (max 50pp)
• over 200m² can have 1 person per 4sqm (max 150pp)
• outdoor areas can have 1 person per 2sqm (max 300pp)

The total of indoor and outdoor can’t exceed 300pp and the 200m² is based on the publicly available space

Indoor Venues (e.g. theatres/music halls)

• Small venues (under 600 cap) can have 1 person per 4sqm (max 150pp) (small venues can seat less people)
• Larger venues (over 600 cap) maximum 25% capacity. Subject to the density quotient except in areas covered by proportion of fixed seated capacity

Outdoor Venues

• can operate at 50% capacity (max 500pp)

Rehearsal and Recording Studios

• under 80m² can have up to 1 person per 2sqm (max 20pp)
• over 80m² can have up to 1 person per 4sqm (max 150pp)

Festival and Events

• There are plans for a phased return from 25% – 100% capacity and a 3 x tier system depending on the scale of your event (Tier 1 5000+, Tier 2 500-5000, Tier 3 <500)
• These are assessed via the Public Events Framework and involve submitting a COVIDsafe Event Plan

Full Summary of Last Step restrictions from 11.59pm 22 November 2020 (PDF)

Live Music Update – Nobember 8:

• Live seated outdoor shows can take place in hospitality venues such as pubs, bars and restaurants in metro Melbourne (50) and regional Victoria (70). Band members must be included in the venue cap.
• Venues don’t have to serve food with the live music
• If you have an existing liquor license and are planning on hosting outdoor events, you need to apply through your council first, and then apply for a Temporary Limited Licence through the VCGLR
• Musicians need to stand 2 metres apart on stage
• Performers need to be 5 metres from the audience
• Band members (except singers and woodwind and brass instrumentalists) must wear a face mask while they perform
• Nightclubs can open for seated service of food or beverages only
• You can live-stream from a venue but only essential people can be on site – ie band members, filming crew and a venue representative with the keys to the building
• You can rehearse and record at studios, but must adhere to 1 per 4 square metre distancing requirements (so smaller bands in the smaller rooms) – ensure you have a COVIDSafe plan
• Set building can take place, but you need to comply with construction guidelines
• You can attend an outdoor music lesson, class or practice with up to ten people

Keep an eye out on Music Victoria and Creative Victoria websites for further updates as they come to hand.
Additional official guidance can be found here and here.

If you own or manage an entertainment, arts or tourism business, you can find advice and more information on current restrictions by visiting Arts and recreation services sector guidance. There are a number of restrictions that apply to these businesses including limits on the number of customers, cleaning, signage and record keeping.

If you are planning on hosting outdoor events, it would be worth checking with your council first that there are no local laws you need to comply with. If you have an existing indoor liquor license you will need to obtain a letter from your council to apply for a Temporary Limited Licence from the VCGLR.

Further information is on the VCGLR’s covid-19 page.