We explain what today’s further easing of restrictions mean for travel, live music, pubs, bars and beyond.
From midnight tomorrow (Thursday June 17), Melburnians will no longer have to abide by a 25km travel bubble with the state government announcing a further easing of restrictions for both the big smoke and regional Victoria.
In today’s press conference, Acting Premier James Merlino also revealed that masks will no longer be mandatory outdoors in Melbourne, while outdoor gatherings will be increased to 20 people.
As to private gatherings, Melburnians will also now be able to have up to two people in their home per day, plus dependants. Elsewhere, gyms will be able to reopen subject to density quotients, while 75 can attend funerals, with up to 20 allowed at weddings.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in Melbourne here.
Melburnians are still encouraged to work from home but offices can open up to 50 per cent capacity or up to 20 people if the size of your workplace is 40 people or less.
What about live music, pubs, bars and the like?
Last week we reported that standing indoor gigs couldn’t take place under previous restrictions. That’s changed, with ‘indoor non-seated entertainment venues’ now able to operate up to a maximum of 75 people per venue, subject to a one person per four square metre density quotient.
Same goes for venues with a ‘fixed seating’ arrangement in their bandrooms, who also have the 75-person cap per venue but must also adhere to the one person per four square metre density quotient. This was a 50-person cap last week.
While this sounds like a small step in the right direction, live music venues are still incredibly restricted in their operations, so take this announcement with a grain of salt.
When it comes to our beloved pubs, bars and other hospitality venues, restrictions have eased somewhat. Last week’s restrictions saw a 100-person cap placed on venues and 50 people inside. From midnight Thursday June 17, this will increase to 150 people per venue, and no more than 75 indoors.
The same one person per four square metre density quotient applies but in saying that, venues will able to permit 25 punters into their space before the density quotient kicks in.
For the detailed wrap of Melbourne’s new restrictions, head here.
