The Government has announced (31 August) an easing of restrictions on live music.

From next Monday (6 September), indoor venues can increase capacity up to 60% for those with proof of immunity. Audiences still have to be seated. For outdoor venues, up to 75% of capacity will be permitted.

Live music in bars and at weddings can also take place, subject to protective factors such as social distancing, ventilation and volume levels.

From 20 September, indoor classes and group activities (including dance classes, bands and choirs) can include up to 100 people if they are vaccinated. For indoor activities with a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated, multiple pods of 6 people will be allowed. There will be no restrictions on outdoor classes.

From 22 October, based on the criteria of 90% of people over 16 being fully vaccinated, restrictions on live events and activities will be removed.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister for Arts Catherine Martin said:

Public health is our priority and this phased approach to alleviating restrictions will take time, but by continuing to listen to, and work together with, partners from the sector, we will start to repair an industry that has suffered so severely over the last 18 months … While today’s announcement is a milestone in our recovery, the Government knows that Ireland’s arts and culture sector needs support to help it thrive once more.

No details on further supports were available.

Last night on RTÉ’s Primetime, Tanáiste Leo Varadkar said that the Government is examining the possibility of a separate payment for those in the arts and events sector who are on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, to bring them up to 22 October, in recognition of the fact that they still may not be fully at work.

For full details on the announcement and the new guidelines, see below or visit https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3361b-public-health-updates/