No entertainment venue answers

Friday June 19, 2020

Published by The Border Watch

MEMBER for Mount Gambier Troy Bell is “disappointed” with Premier Steven Marshall’s response on why Treehouse Adventure Centre and Kaboom Entertainment are unable to open under the State Government’s third stage of eased COVID-19 restrictions.

While many businesses have been given permission to resume as part of new relaxed physical distancing rules, indoor playgrounds and amusement arcades remain under the “future steps for consideration” category, with no set date for reopening.

In parliament this week, Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell asked Mr Marshall when the government would give indoor entertainment centres such as Kaboom and the indoor Treehouse clarification about an opening date.

Mr Marshall said while the upper limit for activities in stage three was 100 people, reopening was dependent on the activity.

He did not provide an explanation why the facilities were unable to open, but said health officials were working through sectors and organisations to identify and mitigate potential risks.

“I am more than happy to follow up the issue and the premises that have been raised by the Member (for Mount Gambier) and get back to him as quickly as possible.”

In a follow up email, Mr Marshall said the entertainment aspects of both businesses were restricted from opening “due to the repeated touching and sharing of equipment”.

Mr Marshall said the Transition Committee would consider the restrictions in place on entertainment businesses as part of future easing of COVID-19 restrictions, but did not provide a date.

“The hospitality elements of these businesses are able to operate in line with social distancing restrictions to hospitality venues and if they have completed a COVID Safe Plan,” he said.