AQW 21421/17-22


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 05/07/2021
Answered On Date: 09/07/2021
Priority Written: Yes


Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the rules under which live music performances are able to take place, including the permitted volume, required distances and performer numbers.


Answer:
Detail of the current legal restrictions can be found in The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2021 and its amendments.
From 5 July 2021 live music performance is permitted in a business or a members’ club which sells or provides food or drink (whether or not including intoxicating liquor) for consumption on the premises. That regulation applies to hospitality venues and requires that music performance must be restrained to a volume that permits conversation at normal levels of speech – what is referred to as “ambient level”. Suitable mitigations should also be put in place.
Live music performance is permitted, without restriction on volume, at outdoor events which meet the requirements set out in regulations.
Live music practice, rehearsal and performance without restriction on volume is also permitted in venues, outdoors or indoors, other than the hospitality premises referred to above.
There are no fixed limits on the maximum size of gatherings either indoors or outdoors or on the maximum numbers of performers. The determination of capacity of a venue or at an activity is based on a risk assessment which must be undertaken by organiser of the event or gathering.
The position in terms of social distancing is also established in the regulations and organisers should ensure that the approach adopted is appropriate to the nature of the venue for the event or activity.
It is the responsibility of event organisers to satisfy themselves that their activities meet the requirements of the law and guidance.
Guidance can be found in the Arts Council’s “In the Bubble of Our Making: Reopening the Arts in Northern Ireland”: In-the-Bubble-of-Our-Making-Reopening-the-Arts-in-Northern-Ireland-July-2020.pdf (artscouncil-ni.org)