The live entertainment sector received $135 million from the Federal Government to bolster the industry in March. It coincides with the final gasps of lockout laws in Sydney and Newcastle, with the last remaining restrictions lifted this week. The live music industry is scaling back to 100% capacity as more states relax restrictions, facing off setbacks from snap lockdowns and coinciding with the long-awaited end of lockout laws in several cities. Venue operators in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle and Canberra have all relaxed rules, following Queensland’s decision to return to 100% capacity in early 2021. As of March 8, the lockout laws first introduced in 2014 are officially over, with the final restrictions on hospitality businesses in Kings Cross lifted following the lifting of the ban in the CBD and Oxford Street in January 2020. And after 13 years Newcastle’s lockout laws will be lifted in September for a 12-month trial.