Capacity limits for venues and events in Western Australia will be removed at 12.01am on Wednesday, 23 June as the state transitions to Phase Five of its COVID roadmap.
Phase Five will result in the removal of the two square metre rule and the 75 per cent capacity limit for hospitality and entertainment venues.
The Government said that maintaining good hygiene standards and COVID-safe principles will be upheld along with mandatory contact registers. COVID Safety Plans and COVID Event Plans will also continue.
Premier Mark McGowan said: “WA has done a remarkable job over the past 18 months and this transition towards the end of our COVID-19 roadmap is a credit to each and every Western Australian.
“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.
“I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding, but just like we said at the start of this – we’re all in this together, and together we succeeded.
“I want to acknowledge the incredible effort everyone living in WA has given to combatting COVID and I want to remind everyone to stay the course, for themselves, their family, their friends and the community.”
Health Minister Roger Cook added: “We have been through so much together in the past year and more.
“The fight against COVID-19 has been unpredictable and extremely difficult.
“But throughout it all there has been one thing that has not changed – the incredible patience and support of the WA public.
“The community has been so fantastic and accepting and dealing with so much change.”
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has strongly endorsed the move to Phase Five, with AHA WA CEO Bradley Woods saying Wednesday will mark a historic day for WA’s hospitality industry, which has endured 16 months of trading restrictions in some form.
“This is an extremely significant and welcome announcement for our industry and one that will be celebrated by across the state,” Woods said.
“WA is the first state to have capacity limits removed, placing our hotels, bars, pubs, taverns, restaurants and entertainment venues firmly on the path to recovery.
“The effects of moving to phase 5 are substantial and widespread – businesses can grow with confidence and employ more staff, patrons will no longer be turned away from venues that are half full and weddings can go ahead at full capacity.
“The AHA commends the WA Government for their ongoing collaboration with the hospitality industry and their continued pursuit of removing capacity restrictions.
“This is a long awaited outcome for the hospitality industry and the AHA is extremely pleased that our advocacy efforts over recent weeks to achieve is outcome have been heard.
“If we are to remain in Phase Five and reap the benefits of having no capacity restrictions in place, it is critical that we all maintain our vigilance by ensuring contact registers are used every time and personal hygiene practices continue.”
The Government said that WA’s Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor the public health situation and provide further advice as is necessary. Phase Six includes the removal of WA’s controlled interstate border, and travel restrictions currently in place for some remote Aboriginal communities.