The NSW Government has confirmed that new capacity and group booking restrictions for pubs and hotels will not apply to clubs.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced that patron capacity at pubs and hotels will be capped at 300 people and maximum group bookings will halve from 20 people to 10.

Pubs and hotels will also be required to record the full contact details of any patron who enters their venue, with the Premier noting that clubs already operate under the same procedure. “Clubs already have these systems built into their business models. it’s been part of the way they operate, so there is that degree of registration and compliance which already exists, “NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis said that today’s announcement was an acknowledgement of the robust health and safety measures already in place at clubs. “This is a vote of confidence from the NSW Government in the club industry’s CovidSAFE plan. People should feel confident about coming into their local club,” said Mr Landis. “Anyone who enters a club is required to sign-in as a condition of entry, so that clubs can assist in the event that contact tracing is later required.”

Mr Landis said that clubs have implemented safety measures that go above and beyond government requirements. “These include temperature testing of patrons and staff, dedicated CovidSAFE ambassadors to enforce social distancing, staff-infection control training and the requirement for patrons to sign out,” he said.

“Clubs also provide hand sanitiser throughout their venues and have implemented regular intensive cleaning practices.”

Anyone visiting a club is urged to follow all the measures that are in place for their own safety and the safety of others. “As the NSW Premier said today, everyone needs to take some personal responsibility in adhering to CovidSAFE practices like social distancing. Patrons need to ensure they help staff by following the rules, so everyone is safe and has a good time,” said Mr Landis.