Venue live-streaming ban criticised

COMMERCE Ballarat spoken out over bans on live streaming from venues under most recent COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

CEO Jodie Gillett criticised the decision, which is in contrast to religious groups who can continue live-streaming services, while businesses can’t.

“Why have you once again banned live music and singled out an already devastated industry? Why not put in place the same rules,” she said.

“Multiple venues… have entertained us while we’ve been in lockdown. They have done this safely, from their local government areas, and while socially distanced.

“They have done this partially with the hope of creating themselves a small revenue stream, but mostly with two goals; giving a decimated live music industry some CPR, and providing some fun and entertainment to their communities in lockdown.”

Piano Bar Ballarat’s Andy Pobjoy is “disappointed,” having run a series of livestreamed evening shows over the last 18 months.

“We get strong viewership, and messages during and after every stream saying how much people are enjoying it,” he said.

“We’ve managed to do it safely for 18 months, most of the time with just me and the performer in the room. It’s been the only safe way to perform and to have that taken away is demoralising.

“We understand restrictions to protect essential services and hospitals, but we are not engaging in risky behaviour. Streaming helps us keep our brand alive, and our team and patrons engaged.”

Religious services are permitted to broadcast live from places of worship, with a maximum of five necessary people on site conducting the ceremony or operating streaming equipment.

Ms Gillett asked why a similar structure could not remain for people safely providing entertainment and relief from pandemic disconnection.