Road to nowhere: No joy for music venues shut out of SA’s Covid freedom plan

Live music is still declared too high-risk to join the party when the rest of SA enjoys some long-awaited freedom.

The state’s Covid road map leaves the entertainment industry stranded in the wilderness, musicians and venue owners say.

The industry was hoping to see some relaxation of the rules surrounding venue capacities, stand-up drinking, dancing and singing as the traditionally busy summer period approaches, but there was little joy in Tuesday’s press conference.

Some restrictions, including cross-border travel, are set to be relaxed on November 23 as the state hits the 80 per cent double-vaccination rate.

But attending nightclubs and live venues remains, in the words of Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, a “high-risk activity” and will face restrictions until rates hit 90 per cent.

Adelaide musician and manager Rob Pippan.

Ian Horne Australian Hotels Association (SA) executive director.

Australian Hotels Association state executive director Ian Horne criticised the lack of change for hospitality and live-music rules.

He said his members were extremely frustrated they were still operating under restrictions brought in during the last statewide lockdown.

“People will be bitterly disappointed by this,” Mr Horne said. “It’s a road map but I’m not sure where it’s taking us.

“We will still have the restrictions imposed during the July lockdown. That means that virtually every other state, including Victoria and NSW, will have stand-up drinking before we do.”

Mr Horne said when the 90 per cent target was reached venues would be faced with the difficult task of enforcing vaccine rules for patrons.

“Every venue, large and small, country and city, will have to act as the policeman,” he said.

Musician and promoter Rob Pippan said continued restrictions were extremely frustrating. “If we can’t trade then we need an immediate return to JobKeeper or a similar scheme,” Mr Pippan said.

“This industry is literally going under the waves. There are no industries being challenged like ours right now. We need help, not window dressing.”

Hospo Owners Collective co-founder Jason Makarenko said those in charge would have “hospitality blood on their hands”.

“There are so many venues already on the brink as it is,” he said.

“We have standing consumption in WA, the NT and Queensland.

“What am I missing? What’s different for us?”

Angry musos