NSW’s relaxed event and venue restrictions explained

Rearview shot of a young couple arriving hand in hand at their wedding reception

The New South Wales government has announced a few eased restrictions around outdoor events and music performances, just in time for summer.

Beginning on Friday the 16th of October, hospitality venues were allowed one person for every two square meters for outdoor areas, which is double the previous four square meters.

This means restaurants, cafes and bars that have outdoor seating sections will be able to increase capacity in a COVID-safe way. All businesses and venues will still need to use electronic methods such as QR codes to record and keep contact details.

Outdoor seated music performances and rehearsals can now have up to 500 attendees at venues which comply with the four square meter rule. Previously the total was 20 people.

From 1 December, the number of people who can attend a wedding will increase to 300 people, so long as the four square metre rule is followed indoors and the two square metre rule is followed outdoors.

The number of people who can gather outdoors in public spaces is set to get a boost from Friday 23 October, with the number of people allowed set to grow to 30 from the previous 20.

You can also make bigger bookings per table at hospitality venues, with the number of people allowed increase to 30 from the previous 10.


Featured image source: iStock/Hiraman

Latest News

  • Aviation
  • News

Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian

Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!