LEIF welcomes lifting of restrictions on live events
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The country’s federal government will lift the 100 persons cap for indoor gatherings and replace it with a 4sq.m rule that will be used to determine the maximum number of people allowed on the premises or attending an event.
Ticketed/seated events will be allowed to go ahead at 25% capacity if the venue’s total capacity is less than 40,000 whilst the operation of larger venues will fall under the auspices of state and territory governments.
To enable a further easing of the restrictions, the Live Entertainment Industry Forum (LEIF) - a body formed by Australia’s largest promoters, venue managers, and key advocacy groups - is set to produce a “comprehensive, flexible” re-opening and risk management strategy.
In collaboration with the country’s governments, LEIF will develop industry-wide measures regarding cleaning and sanitation, crowd management, physical distancing, health monitoring and contact tracing – including a plan to enable venues with capacities greater than 40,000 to host spectators again.
James Sutherland, LEIF chairman, comments: “We welcome the federal government’s encouraging decision to enable the re-opening of live entertainment and sport. This is a great first step to bring back fans and bring back jobs to an industry that has been on its knees for more than three months. COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on millions of Australians and live events play a crucial role in the nation’s mental well-being, bringing people together to share and enjoy sport, music and the arts. It is part of the Australian way of life.
“More than 50 organisations have contributed experts to LEIF’s working groups. We are united in our commitment to ensure that the needs of each state and territory government and each event are met and that fans, performers, athletes, staff and the public are kept safe. We are working with governments across Australia and stand ready to respond and adapt our approach based on circumstances.
“We encourage further announcements from all governments regarding future milestones as this enables our industry to project a potential gradual path to recovery, bringing back fans and bringing back jobs.”
The cultural, creative and sports industries support the livelihoods of around 175,000 Australians, many of whom are casual or part time, says LEIF. The industry also contributes an estimated $150bn to the economy.
LEIF’s executive committee includes the bosses of TEG, Live Nation, Frontier Touring, Chugg Entertainment, AEG Presents, WME, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Sydney Cricket Ground, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Olympic Parks, Adelaide Oval, ASM Global, Venues West, Venues Live, Stadiums Queensland, Michael Cassel Group, Live Performance Australia, Venue Management Association and the Australian Festivals Association.
