Adelaide Fringe venues cautioned over breaching COVID restrictions

As the Adelaide Fringe gets underway, dozens of venues have been warned over COVIDSafe regulation breaches.

With South Australian officials having carried out safety compliance inspections across 600 licensed venues, public events and businesses over a four-day period, one venue has been fined and 36 cautioned over COVIDSafe breaches involving physical distancing in public.

Breaches include illegal dancing and lack of COVID plans, marshals or QR codes.

One of the main Fringe hubs, The Garden of Unearthly Delights, was issued with a written warning from police, while the Regal Theatre was cautioned.

South Australian Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Chris Lease said the main issues for Fringe venues were around “venue queuing and congested crowds”.

Adelaide Fringe Director and Chief Executive, Heather Croall welcomed the strong turnout by festival goers but urged them to abide by COVIDSafe rules.

She advised “we encourage people to continue to do this and to follow COVID guidelines when attending venues and events to ensure the safety of fellow Fringe-goers.”

Many of the breaches follow the South Australian Government’s easing of restrictions around dancing and drinking.

Commenting on its warning, a spokeswoman for The Garden of Unearthly Delights stated “over many years, The Garden has worked closely with (SA Police) and other stakeholders whose advice is invaluable to ensure the safe management of events in this city.

“This is particularly important in these difficult times.”

The Adelaide Fringe is running from 19th February to 21st March.

Image: The Garden of Unearthly Delights, credit: Tony Virgo.