NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced an ease of COVID-19 restrictions to roll out from 12:01AM Monday 29 March.

The lift in restrictions include: no caps on weddings or funerals, no restrictions on singing (including in places of worship), no restriction on dancing (including at weddings and in pubs and nightclubs), no cap on visitors in the home, 200 people allowed for personal outdoor public gatherings, all venues to move to the one person per two square metre rule, 100% seated capacity at entertainment venues (including stadiums and theatres) and mask use on public transport will move from mandatory to strongly recommended.

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The easing of these restrictions allows many businesses that accommodate live entertainment to return to the live music venues many know and love.

In the Port Stephens region, many businesses and venues have tried their hardest to keep the live music sector of the industry thriving but it has been a challenging time.

Tracey Aria, Secretary Manager of the Stockton Bowling Club told News Of The Area, “We have been supporting our local musicians as best we can, and it’s wonderful that they are now able to perform without restrictions.

“To ask people not to dance has been extremely hard for my staff as a lot of patrons couldn’t understand why, so to say we are happy that dancing is back is an understatement.”

Some venues have only existed in COVID-19 times, and have never actually gotten the opportunity for patrons to fully experience live music.

“We are really excited about the next lift in restrictions to allow dancing.

“Medowie Social has only been here a short time, all of which has involved seating so we are incredibly excited to bring more music and more fun into town,” Charlie Way, General Manager of Medowie Social said.

With the lift in restrictions, patrons are still encouraged to social distance as much as possible, but visitors are being encouraged to support the live music acts that will be performing at various clubs, pubs and venues around the Port Stephens’ region.

By Tara CAMPBELL