Last updated: 21 December 2020
To help venues, caterers and suppliers, along with event planners and bookers understand when and what you can do as far as booking events during the COVID-19 crisis, we’ve put together this guide to help.
While some businesses in some states are able to reopen, and some “gatherings” allowed, there is still a long way to go for the events industry to be back to business as usual.
This guide is designed to give you a brief overview of the restrictions related to events and gatherings in order to help make sense of the current and ever changing situation.
NOTE: We’ll be updating this guide as and when new information is released, so book mark it or sign up to our newsletter to avoid missing any key updates. We’ll also share links to this guide on our Facebook and Linkedin pages – so feel free to connect with us there as well.
Before making any decisions based on the information below, please triple check the latest guidelines issued by your State Government – links to the relevant COVID-19 Restrictions per state are included below.
One rule for us all? Oh no, that would be way to easy…
While the Australian Government has released their master plan, it is up to each of the States and Territories to put the plans in place at their own pace. This guide is broken down by State & Territory to help.
A few things that are consistent include the following public health rules that should be followed at all times:
> Physical distancing (1.5m)
> Good hand hygiene (wash your hands!)
> Good respiratory hygiene (cough into your elbow or a tissue)
> Frequent environmental cleaning and disinfection
> Stay home if you are feeling unwell or have any symptoms
Want to host a wedding, funeral, birthday celebration, meeting, anniversary, or any other type of private celebration in 2020? Then read on to find out what is allowed and what falls into the grey area…
Jump to:
Planning Events in NSW during COVID-19 restrictions
Planning Events in VIC during COVID-19 restrictions
Planning Events in QLD during COVID-19 restrictions
Planning Events in ACT during COVID-19 restrictions
Planning Events in SA during COVID-19 restrictions
Planning Events in WA during COVID-19 restrictions
Planning Events in TAS during COVID-19 restrictions
Planning Events in NT during COVID-19 restrictions
Planning Events in NSW during COVID-19 Restrictions
Full details of the current COVID-19 restriction in NSW – as of Monday, 20 December 2020
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Due to the recent outbreak on the Northern Beaches in Sydney, Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong are back tothe following temporary measures;
- 4 sqms per person in inside venues to a maximum of 300 guests
Additional restrictions on the number of people allowed on dance floors and in choirs/ bands, along with the number allowed in your home also apply. As the situation is being updated daily, please refer to the link above for the most up-to-date restrictions.
The following are the standard rules which were put in place earlier this once. Note some of these restrictions still apply to some areas of NSW – again, please refer to the link above for the most up to date restrictions.
What type of events and gatherings can currently be held in NSW…
Great news! The 2 square metre rule now applies in NSW for most venues. This includes, restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, clubs and function and entertainment centres. This means those premises can now welcome event and private function bookings where there is space for at least 2 square metres per person in an area. This rule applies for groups of more than 25 patrons – below that there is no density restrictions.
That means you can now host social events (birthdays, anniversaries, engagements parties, etc), weddings, Christmas functions, meetings, conferences, exhibitions and the like for more than just a few people.
Before booking any function, ensure that your chosen venue confirms the maximum capacity you are permitted to have in the space (and don’t exceed it) and that they have a COVID-Safe plan in place. You will need to ask your guests to “check-in” via the NSW Services App or another similar electronic system – this is mandatory.
Keen for a boogie on the dance floor? Up to 50 guests can take part at a time.
In theory, you may also host:
– Up to 50 guests at your home (or other private residence – this includes hiring an Airbnb or similar). The NSW Chief Health Officer strongly recommends having no more than 30 visitors at your home if there is no outdoor space.
– You can also host celebrations and gatherings in outdoor parks for up to 100 people.
Looking for COVID-safe venues in Sydney and NSW? Follow the links for some of the best venues for functions and events.
Planning Events in VIC during COVID-19 Restrictions
Full details of the current COVID-19 restriction in VIC – as of Sunday, 6 December 2020
What type of events and gatherings can currently be held in VIC?
Following an extremely long lockdown, Victorians are now easing themselves out of lockdown and have recently eased restrictions in time for Summer. Victorians are still required to carry a face mask with them when they leave home and it is mandatory to wear one on public transport, while in taxis or ride share vehicles, or when in large retail venues, including shopping centres, supermarkets and department stores. Or, where it’s not possible to practice social distancing.
Regardless of that, you can technically now host events at…
– Hospitality Venues (restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, clubs, etc) and function and entertainment centres for both seated and unseated events. You must adhere to the 2 square metre per person rule for gatherings over 25 patrons (below that, no density restrictions apply, but be sensible).
You can host a wedding for as many as you like – adhering to the 2 square metre rule.
As for dance floors – for those looking to boogie there’s a limit of 4 square metres per person up to a maximum of 50 guests.
Attendance must be recorded with guests checking-in to a venue. Victoria Government have a free QR code system available.
In theory, you may also host*:
– Private gatherings at your home (including hired premises like an Airbnb) for up to 30 guests. This includes hosting a wedding at your home.
– Gatherings outdoors in a public space or park (e.g. a casual or fancy picnic) for up to 100 people.
Looking for COVID-safe venues in Melbourne and VIC? Follow the links for some of the best venues for functions and events.
Planning Events in QLD during COVID-19 Restrictions
Full details of the current COVID-19 restriction in QLD – as of Saturday, 12 December 2020
What type of events and gatherings can currently be held in QLD?
Great news! Queensland is also locking in events with the 2 square metre rule. This means you can now host events and functions at restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, clubs, museums, galleries, function and entertainment centres for a capacity where there is space for at least 2 square metres per person in an area.
Premises must open with a COVID Safe checklist.
Wedding ceremonies may be held for up to 200 guests. Wedding Receptions must adhere to the 2 square metre person rule, or at home no more than 50 guests.
Indoor events such as theatre, live music, cinemas and indoor sports, can have 100% seated capacity – patrons must wear face masks on entry and exit and the venue must ahere to the COVID Safe Checklist.
Outdoor events can have up to 1500 patrons, again with the COVID Safe Checkist. Events that exceed that number must have a COVID Safe Plan.
In theory, you may also host*:
– Private functions for up to 50 guests at your own home (or hired premises like an Airbnb).
– Gatherings in public outdoor spaces and parks for up to 100 guests.
Looking for COVID-safe venues in Brisbane and QLD? Follow the links for some of the best venues for functions and events.
Planning Events in ACT during COVID-19 Restrictions
Full details of the current COVID-19 restriction in ACT – as of Wednesday, 2 December 2020
What type of events and gatherings can currently be held in ACT?
Functions and events are back on in the ACT when adhering to the 2 square metre rule at hospitlality and event venues. As with the rest of the country, this applies for groups over 25 patrons and attendees must be “checked-in” using the CBR App. If a business does not register for the CBR App, then the 4 square metre rule applies to their capacity.
In theory, you may also host*:
– Gatherings at your home for as many as you like. However, the Officials strongly recommend you host gatherings and functions outdoors as “it is harder for people to maintain physical distance and there’s less ventilation in indoor spaces”. So be sensible.
– Gatherings in outdoor spaces for up to 500 guests where you can observe the 2 square metre rule. To hold gatherings greater than 500, an exemption in accordance with the COVID Safe Event Protocol is required.
Planning Events in SA, WA, TAS and NT during COVID-19 Restrictions
Full details of the current COVID-19 restriction in SA
Full details of the current COVID-19 restriction in WA
Full details of the current COVID-19 restriction in TAS
Full details of the current COVID-19 restriction in NT
*Important notes about why some events are not necessarily practical or encouraged:
- Social distancing still applies and you need to allow space for 4sqm per person – even in your home.
- The virus is highly contagious… it’s worth considering how necessary the gathering is before putting plans in place.
- If we all do our part in trying to minimise the risk of spreading the virus, we’ll see the restrictions lifted faster. We all would love to get back to planning and hosting events as soon as possible (our businesses and livelihoods depend on it…) but to rush may make the situation a lot worse and prolong the time until that happens. What’s that saying about patience? I think we all need to take note. Stick to the restrictions and don’t be silly.
Happy planning (while staying healthy and safe) xo
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