澳大利亚珀斯莫斯曼公园镇议会计划推出新的《公共场所交易政策》，对在公共空间开展的集体娱乐和健身活动进行参与人数限制[1]。根据该政策，此类活动的人数上限将设定为30人，10人及以下的活动则无需申请许可证[1]。政策适用范围包括健身课程、娱乐课程、遛狗团体、河流潜水课程及学校体育运营等多种形式的活动[1]。
镇长保罗·肖为这一举措进行了辩护，表示目的是确保公共空间安全公平地被所有人使用[1]。肖同时表示，如果社区成员希望组织超过30人的健身课程，他们可以登记并申请活动许可证[1]。
然而该政策遭到瑜伽教练艾米·尼克尔斯的反对[1]。尼克尔斯指出，她的课程规模在过去12个月内已从约20人增长至最多200人[1]，认为人数限制将严重冲击教学运营和当地商业生态[1]。公众咨询截止日期为2024年8月6日[1]。
Mosman Park Council in Perth, Australia, is moving forward with a new Public Place Trading Policy designed to cap group fitness and recreational activities on public land at 30 participants [1]. The policy aims to ensure public spaces are used safely and equitably by all community members, according to Town Mayor Paul Shaw [1].
Under the proposed framework, groups of 10 or fewer would be exempt from permit requirements, while larger gatherings would need to register and apply for an event permit [1]. The policy covers a range of activities including fitness classes, dog-walking groups, river diving courses, and school sports operations [1]. Residents and stakeholders have until August 6, 2024, to provide feedback during the public consultation period [1].
The proposal has drawn criticism from yoga instructor Amy Nickels, whose classes have grown significantly in the past year [1]. Nickels reports that her program participation expanded from approximately 20 people to as many as 200 participants over the past 12 months, and she contends the new restrictions would severely limit her teaching operations and damage the local business ecosystem [1]. Shaw responded to such concerns by stating: "If a community member wishes to run fitness classes with greater than 30 participants, they are welcome to register and apply for an event permit" [1].