Victoria's Small and Medium-Sized Venues Will Be Able to Welcome Bigger Crowds From May 28

First, back in April, the Victorian Government eased on capacity limits on some seated entertainment, cultural and sporting venues throughout the state. Next, once the end of May hits, a heap of smaller hospitality and entertainment spaces will be able to welcome in more people as well. As announced today, Friday, May 7, density quotas are lifting for small and medium-sized venues, including live music spot, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. There are still caveats, of course — but get read to spend more time eating, drinking and listening to tunes with more people.

The changes will come into effect in three weeks, on Friday, May 28, and will apply to spaces smaller than 400 square metres. Venues that fit the bill will be able to ditch the one person per two-square-metres density cap, and instead welcome in up to 200 people per space — so in each dining room or band room, for instance.

Places of worship will also be covered; however, regardless of the type of venue, COVID marshals will need to be onsite to ensure that the rules are adhered to. There's also a new requirement to use the Victorian Government QR Code Service through the Service Victoria app. From Friday, May 28, it'll become mandatory for all venues and businesses that are required to undertake electronic record keeping as well.

The Victorian Government is also scrapping density quotas completely for outdoor venues without seating, if you have a trip to a pool or zoo in your future. This'll apply to recreation facilities, community sport, pools, tourism services and non-seated outdoor entertainment venues, with all other existing COVID-safe requirements still in effect — and using the Victorian Government QR Code Service will be mandated as well.

Of course, the usual hygiene and social distancing advice will remain in place throughout the state, as will the request to get tested if you exhibit even minor COVID-19 symptoms. Victoria currently has 17 active coronavirus cases as at midnight on Thursday, May 6.

For more information about the COVID-19 rules moving forward, head to the Victorian Department of Health website. 

Top image: Tamura Sake Bar, Kate Shanasy.