As New South Wales reports three consecutive days with no community transmissions, the state’s Major Events Taskforce has moved to allow increased capacity at entertainment venues and conference centres.
The capacity at corporate events and conferences has been increased to 300 people, as long as the one per four square metre rule is adhered to and COVID-safe plans are place. Venues hosting weddings can also allow up to 20 people from the bridal party on to the dance floor. The NSW Government also announced other changes around community sports and music ensembles.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said: “While we are by no means out of the woods, low case numbers give health authorities the confidence to allow mums and dads back onto the sideline.
“NSW Health has also given the green light for up to 20 people in the official wedding party to take to the dance floor, where previously only the happy couple were permitted.”
The move has been welcomed by Tourism Accommodation Australia NSW CEO Michael Johnson, who said: “Our industry has been doing it tough ever since the COVID pandemic hit our shores more than six months ago.
“While the corporate event market will continue to struggle as long as border closures remain, the chance to now have up to 300 people at functions is a boost for our larger hotels which have that capacity.
“We have been pushing hard for this for some time as it provides certainty to companies and organisations looking to book for late this year or early 2021 and lets bigger hotels get some events back on their books.
“This is especially good news in the lead up to Christmas and accommodation providers are hopeful many events previously on hold will now get the green light.
“Hotels have been hard hit and the ability to once again do larger events will drive more revenue and help bring back jobs in the events and conferencing areas in particular.”